The period of imprisonment of Rabbi Shneur-Zalman of Ladi, author of the Tanya (two hundred and twenty-one years ago), was one of the most difficult hours for Chabad Hasidism in particular and for Hasidism in general.
This spiritual movement, which was then in the process of flourishing and developing, was suddenly exposed to an existential threat. If, God forbid, the Rebbe had not been acquitted, the Russian authorities would have unleashed the scythe on the entire Hasidic movement.
After his release, the Rebbe said that while he was in prison, his rabbis, the Maggid of Mezritch and the Baal Shem Tov, appeared to him. He asked them why he was sentenced to prison and what they wanted from him in heaven.
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The founders of Hasidism answered him that a severe punishment had been imposed on him above, for spreading and revealing the hidden sources of Hasidism. The Rebbe asked them what he should do in view of this. They replied: Since you have started, do not stop, and on the contrary, spread more.
Before and after
Indeed, one can clearly see the difference between the spread of Hasidism in the period 'before Petersburg' [-before the imprisonment] and 'after Petersburg'.
The author of the Tanya's Hasidic articles changed significantly between the two periods: before his imprisonment, his articles were short and concise, but after his release, he began to deliver long and explained articles, thus opening the door for wider circles to understand the teachings of Hasidism.
Thus it happened that the very imprisonment, which sought to eradicate Hasidism, became a positive turning point and a lever in the spread of Hasidism. It was precisely after the imprisonment that Hasidism in general gained tremendous strength, and from this point its influence expanded until it reached all circles of the Jewish people.
The 19th of Kislev is the holiday of victory in a fierce struggle that took place in the higher worlds, over the question of whether it is permissible and appropriate to spread the miraculous light of Hasidism. The Rebbe's release expresses the victory of his path, and from then on, his path received approval from heaven to continue to develop.
The author of the Tanya said many times that he did not come to found a movement or a 'party', but to reveal a revelation of light for the entire Jewish people. The teachings of Hasidism in general and the teachings of Chabad Hasidism in particular were not intended for the Hasidic community alone. This great light was intended for the entire Jewish people, and it has indeed spread in our day to all classes of people and quenches thirsty souls.
Reservoirs of joy and vitality
The Book of Tanya, known as the "written Torah" of Hasidism, is studied today in all the study centers. The Hasidic articles, which explain the ideas of the Tanya, are eagerly seized upon by masses of Jews, from all circles and strata. The great thirst for "insideness" finds satiety in the light of Hasidism.
The teachings of Hasidism shed new light on every area of Torah and Jewish life. The words of Hasidism illuminate the human soul, dispel doubts, instill joy and optimism, and fill the mind with inexhaustible reserves of vitality and energy. All that is required is a good decision - to approach the well and draw handfuls.
This is a holiday for all of us. Let us rejoice, thank God for His favor, and bless one another with the traditional Hasidic blessing: ""Happy Holidays! May you have a good year in learning Hasidism and in the ways of Hasidism, be written and signed."".
