Yud Tes (19th of) Kislev – The Rebbe’s Directives
By zevi770 · December 18, 2016
Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus,[1]
Liberation of the Alter Rebbe and
Passing of the Maggid of Mezritch
The Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi) was slandered to the Czar, and arrested and charged with high treason in 5559 (1798). His arrest placed the entire Chassidic movement into jeopardy. Miraculously, after just seven weeks of investigation and cross-examination, he was proven innocent beyond doubt and was released on the 19th of Kislev of that year.
The Alter Rebbe described his release, “Just as I had recited the verse [from Tehilim] ‘Who has redeemed my soul in peace’ – even before I had a chance to begin the next passage – I was redeemed in peace, by Hashem Who is Peace.”
The 19th of Kislev is also the anniversary of the passing of the Maggid of Mezritch (successor to the Baal Shem Tov and Rebbe of the Alter Rebbe), who passed away in the year 5533 (1772).
Introduction
Yud Tes Kislev is the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.”
The daily study cycle of Tanya (instituted by the Previous Rebbe) begins afresh every 19th of Kislev.
Likewise, the first entry in Hayom Yom (the book of daily Chassidic thought and instruction that was compiled by the Rebbe), is for the 19th of Kislev. It begins with the words penned by the Rebbe Rashab (the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe), who first proclaimed the 19th of Kislev to be “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.”
In a letter dated Kislev 16, 5662, the Rebbe Rashab writes:
“Gather together on the 19th of Kislev … Rejoice with the joy of the festival [marking the event] that caused our souls to be redeemed in peace and the light of our souls to be bestowed to us. Today is the Rosh Hashanah of the teachings of Chassidus, which were bequeathed to us by our saintly ancestors.
… This day marks the beginning of … the true and ultimate purpose for which man was created upon Earth, namely, to elicit the revelation of the illumination of the most innermost dimension of our holy Torah – which on this day, in a collective manner, casts its illumination over the entire year.
Today’s task is to arouse our hearts to an absolutely true and sincere innermost desire and will for our souls to be illuminated by the radiance of the innermost dimension of His Torah.” [2]
Auspicious time for publishing Torah
- We should utilize the days leading up to Yud Tes Kislev to print teachings from the Oral Torah (in addition to the Written Torah) as needed.[3]
Print and study the wedding discourses
- We should strongly push for the printing and study of the Previous Rebbe’s Chassidic discourses (known as Derushei Chasunah), which were delivered in honor of the Rebbe’s wedding in 5689 (1928); beginning with the discourse VeChol Banayich (that was delivered on Parshas Vayeitzei) and continuing until Amar Rav Oshiah (that was delivered on Yud Tes Kislev).[4]
- To ensure maximum success, we should prepare for the Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengens well ahead of time.[5]
- In order to avoid imposing personal calculations or agendas, those planning the events should consult with others.51
LeShanah Tova
- On Yud Tes Kislev, we should bless each other with the precise wording used by the Previous Rebbe (quoting the Rebbe Rashab): LeShanah Tovah BeLimud HaChassidus u’BeDarkei HaChassidus Tikaseiv VeSeichaseim – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chassidus and [following] the ways of Chassidus![6]
Study relevant topics – start with Hayom Yom
- We should begin today’s Torah study with topics that explain the significance of this day – the Chassidic “laws” of the day. Naturally, we should begin by studying the words of the Rebbe Rashab that are printed in the introduction to Hayom Yom.[7][See intro.]
Farbrengens – be a Mashpia
In 5752 (1992), the Rebbe explained that we have reached a point in history where the verse regarding Redemption, “The light of the moon will then be like the light of the sun” (Yeshayah 30:26), is beginning to be fulfilled.
As a result, the Jews, who are compared to the moon (a recipient of light from another source), are now compared to the sun (that generates light); every Jew can and should be a “Mashpia,” an active source of positive influence. Based on this, the Rebbe then presented a number of directives concerning the Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengens.
- We should hold Chassidisher Farbrengens in each location within each country, each city, each neighborhood and so forth. It is not enough to simply hold Grand Farbrengens in the most major or central locations – rather, Farbrengens should be held in literally each and every place.[8]
With self, family, friends and all Jews
- It is worthwhile and proper for each and every person to hold Farbrengens – farbreng with yourself, i.e., with the “ten faculties of your soul,” farbreng with your immediate family and your friends and acquaintances,[9]and farbreng with any and every Jew you are able to reach.[10]
Farbreng again
- Farbrengens have already been held in some locations. Nevertheless, since a number of hours have passed, and by now the participants have undoubtedly ascended to a yet loftier level, they should gather and hold another Farbrengen. It is certainly appropriate to hold an additional Farbrengen on Motzei Yud Tes Kislev.[11]
Bigger and better
- Those who have not yet participated in a Farbrengen this Yud Tes Kislev (for some peculiar reason), should not only make up for it by farbrenging now, but by also influencing and encouraging all those around them to Farbreng. And those who have already farbrenged this Yud Tes Kislev should farbreng again in a yet superior manner.57
The night between the 19th and 20th
- Although in former years the main Farbrengen was held after midday on the 19th of Kislev,[12]the key time to hold the grandest, most highly-charged Farbrengen[13] for the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus, is in fact during the night that straddles the 19th and the 20th of Kislev – for that was when the Alter Rebbe’s liberation was completed.[14]
Create Three Farbrengens
- Ideally, each person should set up three Farbrengens (three times gives it Halachic strength); if necessary, they could be held simultaneously – he can attend one Farbrengen in person and use representatives to facilitate the other two.[15]
However, it is entirely feasible to arrange three consecutively Farbrengens and personally attend all of them; particularly in light of the variance in custom regarding the exact time to farbreng – either on the eve of the 19th of Kislev, on the day itself (after midday), or close to the day’s conclusion (so that the Farbrengen is continued into the 20th of Kislev[16]).[17]
Many Jews, strenghten Torah and Chassidus
- We should gather multitudes of men and women (separately), as well as children, for these Farbrengens; the purpose of which is to arouse[18]and strengthen them – and to accept positive resolution in public – concerning all matters of Judaism, Torah and Mitzvos, as they are illuminated by the Torah’s luminary – the teachings of Chassidus.[19]
- The resolutions we make on Yud Tes Kislev should pave the way and serve as the foundation for all the positive activities and achievements that we will accomplish during the coming “year,” i.e., from this Yud Tes Kislev until the next Yud Tes Kislev (when we then accept further, more advanced resolutions.)[20]
- A resolution that we accept while in a Shul or study hall (particularly in the Shul and study hall of the Previous Rebbe [770]) assumes extra potency both in its implementation and in its manner of implementation; it is far easier to make good on our commitment.66
Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chassadim
- During these Farbrengens, we should strongly urge everyone to add in all three modes of divine service: Torah study, prayer and acts of kindness. This is in keeping with our Sages’ exposition of (the verse that is associated with the liberation of Yud Tes Kislev) “Padah BeShalom”: All who occupy themselves with Torah study and acts of kindness, and pray with the congregation – I [Hashem] consider it as if they have redeemed Myself and My sons [the Jewish people] from Exile.[21]
- Obviously, the actual Farbrengen should include all three aspects:
Torah – We should deliver teachings of the Rebbes of Chabad during the Farbrengens (particularly their teachings pertaining to Yud Tes Kislev).[22]
Prayer – Firstly, in the vast majority of Chassidic teaching, prayers or requests already exist [and by studying Chassidus we are also “praying”]. Secondly, when we say ‘L’chaim!’ during the Farbrengen, each person blesses the other (both those seated at the very same table, as well as friends and close ones who are absent from the Farbrengen – and whom he merely considers and connects with in his thoughts). This is all considered “prayer.”[23]
Acts of Kindness – Firstly, during the Farbrengen we should donate to Tzedakah or at least accept a resolution to subsequently give Tzedakah. Secondly, when each one says a good word of encouragement to the other, in the spirit of the verse, “Each man bolters his fellow and says to his brother ‘Be strong!’” – that constitutes an acts of kindness.69
- We should bolster and increase the study and dissemination of Chassidus. We should begin by spreading Chassidus to our own “externality” – by permeating our entire being and all of our faculties with the study of Chassidus. After all, Chassidus constitutes the “Yechidah,” the highest realm within Torah, which is bound with our own “Yechidah,” the highest level of our soul. [Through studying Chassidus and applying its teachings, we elicit this innermost level and “disseminate” it to the rest of our being.][24]
The message of Yud Tes Kislev – Ahavas Yisroel
- The lessons that we derive from Yud Tes Kislev should be founded upon love for our fellow Jews and grounded in the essential unity between Jews. This is the foundation and message of Yud Tes Kislev.[25]
Love and unity between all Jews
- We should conduct ourselves according to the Torah’s central principle, “Love your fellow Jew as yourself,” so that we form one collective body with one unified heart; there should be “Pada BeShalom” (“Who redeemed in peace”) – true peace and unity – among all Jews.71
Spread Chassidus – obligation and merit
- Together with Ahavas Yisroel, there is a need to disseminate Chassidus; that is the obligation, and at the same time, merit, of each one of us. As an expression of true Jewish unity and love for our fellow Jews, we should bring the teachings and ways of Chassidus to every Jew, in a pleasant and peaceful manner.[26]
The Alter Rebbe’s teachings and directives
- During the days surrounding Yud Tes Kislev, there exists far greater enthusiasm and energy concerning all matters associated with the Alter Rebbe. Therefore, we should now place an emphasis on studying the Alter Rebbe’s Chassidic teachings and implementation his instructions.[27]
Use the influence from Rosh Hashanah
- It is now that we unpack the spiritual cargo that we received on Rosh Hashanah. We begin by wishing each other: LeShanah Tovah BeLimud HaChassidus, etc. – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chassidus and [following] the ways of Chassidus![28]
- It was the custom amongst Chassidim (of old, and even of quite recent times) to maintain the Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengens all the way into Chanukah.[29]
- We should commence our preparations for Chanukah;[30]both the activities that concern ourselves (including studying the Laws of Chanukah), as well as those that concern others.[31]
- On Yud Tes Kislev – the “one and unique day of the year” –each of us should focus on preparing for the future Redemption. In the words of the Previous Rebbe, “Stand ready, all of you together!” The call is issued to each man, woman and child on an individual basis, yet employs plural phraseology – meaning that the “plurality” within each individual should be united in this cause: Every person should gather each of their individual abilities and affairs (“all of you together” in the most literal sense), so that they stand totally prepared for the Redemption.[32]
- We should organize the division and allocation of the entire Talmud[33]in each and every location. Each person should participate by accepting at least one tractate, and ideally (if feasible), two or more tractates.[34]
Every tractate
- It is our custom to allocate the entire Talmud – including tractates such as Zeraim and Taharos (which do not include Gemara), as well as Tamid and Midos (although they are straightforward accounts of the Temple service and design).[35]
The Rebbe’s choice – Sanhedrin
- The Previous Rebbe would personally accept tractate Sanhedrin. Such a topic was appropriate for him, being a leader and shepherd of all Jewry, who was required to point out the correct path for the entire nation in accordance with the Torah’s guidelines. Tractate Sanhedrin also discusses the topic of “extra scrupulousness,” which is of concern to those who provide instruction.[36]
- Those who so wish, or who live in a place where they are not enough local participants to allocate the entire Talmud, may participate in the division that will take place right here in the Previous Rebbe’s study hall [770]. They should inform the directors of Machaneh Yisroel of their desire to participate, in writing.[37]
- If, for whatever reason, a person was unable to communicate his desire to participate prior to Yud Tes Kislev, he may still do so at the very first opportunity following Yud Tes Kislev.[38]
- It is extremely worthwhile for each of us to accept our allocated tractate in writing. That will spur us to make good on our commitment and will ensure that everyone completes the study of their respective tractates.[39]
Let someone check on you
- It would be worthwhile for each of us to hand our written commitment to someone else – for it is human nature to be greatly encouraged and to push ourselves to make good on our commitment, when we are aware that someone may check to see whether we actually kept our pledge.[40]
How its done in 770
- The annual custom here, in the study hall of the Previous Rebbe, is to distribute standard cards and have each participant simply fill in the blanks, indicating the tractate of his choice. Each participant then delivers his signed card to the Gabbai.[41]