Yud Tes Kislev: Illuminating the Soul and Transforming the World

I find myself in the middle of a marathon of Farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings) to celebrate Yud Tes Kislev—the liberation of the Alter Rebbe and the vindication of Chassidic philosophy—I am in awe. The teachings of the Alter Rebbe, revolutionary over 200 years ago, remain vibrant and transformative today. Not only are they studied, but they inspire action and resonate deeply, even among millennials. Professors of psychology now regard these teachings as progressive insights into the human psyche and soul, capable of fostering a meaningful and joyous life.

The Alter Rebbe revealed the essence of the soul as a spark of G-d, residing within the human body. He taught that all souls are fundamentally one, and loving another is an extension of self-love. This profound perspective propels thousands to leave their comfort zones—whether in Brooklyn, Jerusalem, or London—to bring spiritual uplift and warmth to Jews in places as remote as Alaska, Siberia, Laos, Uganda, or Iceland. This dedication is a living testament to the Torah and Chassidus that the Rebbe, the seventh-generation successor of the Alter Rebbe, continues to inspire. Over 6,000 families embody this philosophy, benefiting all 18 million Jews worldwide.

This celebration is not merely about a historical event but a vibrant way of life. Join a Farbrengen and say L’chaim to honor the Alter Rebbe and the Rebbe, who bring this philosophy to life. L’chaim, L’chaim V’Livracha. Gut Yomtov and Gut Shabbos!

Arrest and Liberation

The Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad, was arrested 226 years ago for introducing Chassidus—a revolutionary approach to Torah study that brought the esoteric teachings to an intellectual level accessible to all. The Torah comprises four layers: the simple, poetic, homiletic, and hidden interpretations. For millennia, the hidden dimension was reserved for select holy individuals or souls in Gan Eden. The Alter Rebbe made these teachings public, explaining the soul’s nature and the mitzvah to love one’s fellow Jew as oneself. He demonstrated how contemplation on G-d’s constant nurturing awakens love for the Creator, and acts of giving elevate the soul to unparalleled heights.

These teachings, encapsulated in the Tanya’s 53 chapters, faced resistance both on earth and in the spiritual realms. The Alter Rebbe endured 53 days in prison before the decree was overturned, affirming that his teachings were necessary to fortify a weakening generation against the evil inclination. Even the Czar recognized the value of these teachings, allowing them to flourish.
Chassidus breathes life and joy into Judaism, empowering individuals to resist adversity. It is the driving force behind the selfless dedication of Shluchim, who travel globally to ignite the Jewish flame. The celebration of Yud Tes Kislev seamlessly transitions into Chanukah, spreading light and inspiration.

The Righteous in Prison

This week’s Parsha tells of Yosef’s imprisonment in Egypt, paralleling the Alter Rebbe’s incarceration. Both endured trials that ultimately elevated them to fulfill G-d’s mission. Yosef’s unwavering G-dliness, even amidst Egypt’s depravity, transformed him into the viceroy who saved the world from famine. Similarly, the Alter Rebbe’s teachings illuminated the G-dly essence within all aspects of life, earning vindication and recognition.

The purpose of these trials is to refine the world rather than destroy it. Seven generations after the Alter Rebbe, his teachings continue to inspire the global Chabad movement to educate, elevate, and reveal G-dliness in every corner of the world. Our mission is not to isolate but to engage and influence, fulfilling G-d’s purpose in creation.

Wrestling to Unity

Chabad celebrates pivotal moments in its history, including the liberation of the Alter Rebbe and the Miteler Rebbe. Both victories align with the verse in Tehillim (55:19): פָּדָה בְשָׁלוֹם נַפְשִׁי מִקֲּרָב לִי כִּי בְרַבִּים הָיוּ עִמָּדִי “He redeemed my soul in peace from battles against me because of the many who were with me.” These battles represent the daily internal struggle between the G-dly soul, striving for spirituality, and the animal soul, tethered to materialism. Through prayer and meditation, the G-dly soul prevails, inspiring unity and purpose.

The victories of the Rebbes marked the acceptance of Chassidus as a legitimate and transformative force. These teachings have since become the lifeblood of Judaism, breathing vitality into Jewish practice and belief across the globe.

The Essence of Chassidus

Yud Tes Kislev is the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus, a time to renew our commitment to its study and practice. The Alter Rebbe, guided by total self-nullification (Bittul), sacrificed his own personal spiritual pleasure to fulfill G-d’s mission on this mundane earth. Chassidus teaches why G-d created the world and our role within it, revealing the infinite value of every Jew and the necessity of our contributions.

When Jews faced demoralization, the Baal Shem Tov uplifted them by emphasizing the divine spark within each of them. The Tzemach Tzedek safeguarded Jewish education against the Enlightenment, and the Frierdiker Rebbe defied Soviet oppression to preserve Judaism. Today, the Rebbe’s Shluchim embody this legacy, reaching Jews everywhere with love and dedication.

Chassidus empowers children with trust in G-d, elevates women as manifestations of divine power, and strengthens soldiers with faith. It provides security, purpose, and meaning, guiding Chassidim to live with joy and mission.

This Yom Tov celebrates the transformative power of Chassidus, inspiring us to enrich our lives and walk its paths.לְשָׁנָה טוֹבָה בְּלִמּוּד הַחֲסִידוּת וְדַרְכֵי הַחֲסִידוּת תִּכָּתֵבוּ וְתֵחָתֵמוּ.

May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chassidus and the paths of Chassidus.
Gut Yom Tov and Gut Shabbos,

Rabbi Yosef Katzman