The Celebratory Spirit of 19th of Kislev: Unveiling the 'Festival of Liberation'

Every year, countless Chabad followers gather around the world to celebrate the special day of the 19th of Kislev, known to them as the 'Festival of Liberation'.

Here are some facts you might not know about this 'festival' and its significance:

1. Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (also known as the 'Old Rebbe' and author of the Tanya) was the founder of the Chabad Hasidic movement and its first Rebbe. He studied under the Maggid of Mezritch, the disciple of the Baal Shem Tov.

2. This day is celebrated as a holiday because it marks Rabbi Shneur Zalman’s release from Tsarist Russian imprisonment in 1798. Accused of sending money to the Tsar's Turkish enemies while fundraising for the Jewish settlement in Israel, he faced numerous false allegations aimed at ending the Hasidic movement. He was taken to the frightening fortress known as the 'Petropavlovsk Fortress' where he was interrogated at length about the essence of Hasidism, asked to translate its profound concepts into practical terms the Russian investigators could comprehend.

4. The Rebbe was released on the 19th of Kislev during the afternoon, after a 53-day imprisonment, paralleling the 53 chapters of the Tanya, which he authored.

5. Upon his release, the Rebbe penned a letter beginning with 'I am humbled by all the kindnesses'. In this letter, he instructed his followers to humble their spirit and heart towards their adversaries, as he tried during his imprisonment to show humility towards his captors and opponents.

6. During his time in prison, the 'Old Rebbe' would say, "Those who rejoice in my liberation – I will bring them out of distress to spaciousness". Following this, Chabad followers traditionally gather on this day to recount the story of the Rebbe’s imprisonment and liberation, to awaken their hearts and to strengthen their moral and spiritual commitments.

7. In one of his letters, Rabbi Shalom DovBer of Lubavitch (known as the Rashab) called the 19th of Kislev the 'Rosh Hashanah of Hasidism'. He explained that just as Rosh Hashanah bestows abundance and vitality for the entire year, so does the 19th of Kislev illuminate and bestow the inner light of Torah. On this 'festival', the followers dedicate themselves more intensely and focus on studying topics related to redemption and messianism.

8. It was said that after his release, followers requested that the 'Old Rebbe' write a 'Scroll of the 19th of Kislev' to commemorate the imprisonment and liberation, but he refused, saying "This day shall be established as a permanent feast in Israel, a day to exalt and sanctify the Great Name, awakening thousands in Israel to repentance and heartfelt service, for the deed is etched in the high heart of Israel and inscribed in the lower heart of Israel".

With these words, the Rebbe foresaw what the day would become. Indeed, it has become the Festival of Liberation, where followers gather to make good resolutions.