Freedom

I am proud to live in a country that allows me my religious freedom. I can live as a Jew openly without the fear of being discovered, imprisoned, beaten or killed. In Russia in the days of old the Jews did not have that luxury, that basic human right. For without freedom, we are slaves to a master and the rules he imposes upon us.

Today is Yud Tes Kislev (the 19th day of the month of kislev.) It is a special day. It is a day of freedom, of rebirth, and of expansion. This article from Chabad.org explains the significance of Yud Tes Kislev.

Yud-Tes Kislev - The Rosh HaShanah of Chassidism

The Baal Shem Tov writes that he was once granted a spiritual vision of Mashiach. Unabashed, he asked him: “When are you coming?” Mashiach answered him: “When the wellsprings of your teachings spread outward.”

Two generations later, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad Chassidism, was imprisoned by the Czarist authorities. He was sending money to the Chassidim who had settled in Israel, and the Russians thought that he was conspiring with the Turks (rulers of Israel at that time) to fight the Czar.

While in prison, Rabbi Shneur Zalman had a vision of the Baal Shem Tov and asked him: What was the real reason for his imprisonment?

The Baal Shem Tov told him that there were spiritual factors involved. Rabbi Shneur Zalman had been spreading Chassidic teachings without restraint, and this had aroused negative forces in the spiritual realms. “The world was not ready,” these forces claimed, “for such a great revelation.” And therefore, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was imprisoned.

“If I’m released, should I change my approach?” Rabbi Shneur Zalman asked.

“No,” the Baal Shem Tov answered. “If you are released, that will be a sign that your approach has been vindicated.”

On the Hebrew date of Yud-Tes Kislev, the nineteenth day of the month of Kislev, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was released from prison. That date is thus celebrated as a festival. For on it was granted the potential for the wellsprings of the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings to be spread outward and prepare the world for Mashiach’s coming.

There is even a Wikipedia entry on it!

I am privileged to be a chassid, to have chassidus in my life, and to know what it means to be held to a hire standard.

It is customary to wish one another "Le'shana Tovah Be'limud Hachassidus U'vedarchei Hachassidus" May is be a good year in the learning of chassidus and the ways of chassidus.

Good Yom Tov! Hope everyone has an inspiring and meaningful year.