בס”ד
Chassidism and the Liberation of the Alter Rebbe: Lessons for the Future
Chassidism and the Liberation of the Alter Rebbe: Lessons for the Future
Chassidism, founded by Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov in the end of the 17th century, teaches us to understand the inner dimension of the Torah. This inner dimension reflects the essence of G-d and offers a glimpse of the world to come with the arrival of the Messiah. The movement began in Eastern Europe, where it emphasized a deeper connection with G-d and the spiritual aspects of life.
The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidism, was imprisoned by the Russian authorities in 1789. His enemies made up that he was supporting the Ottoman Empire, at war with the Russian Empire, with money raised. However, the Alter Rebbe was fundraising to support the Jews in Israel. The real spiritual reason for the imprisonment was his unique and novel way of spreading the Chassidic ideas. While in prison, he was assured by his spiritual mentors, including the Baal Shem Tov, that he must continue spreading his teachings.
On the 19th of Kislev, the Alter Rebbe was released, an event that Chabad views as “the New Year of Chassidism.” This day marks not only his physical liberation but also the triumph of the Chassidic movement over spiritual and physical opposition. It reminds us to share the deepest truths of the Torah with the world, a step toward the ultimate redemption.
Both the Alter Rebbe and the later Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, based on a famous letter of the Baal Shem Tov, explained that the coming of the Messiah depends on the spread of Chassidic ideas, both to Jews and non-Jews. This is similar to the Exodus from Egypt, where the recognition of G-d by both the Israelites and the Egyptians was central. In the future, the Messiah will bring redemption not only to the Jews but to the entire world, with everyone recognizing G-d.
In the Torah, two names of G-d are presented: Elohim, the name that reflects G-d’s manifestation within nature, and HaShem, which represents G-d’s transcendent, infinite aspect. The plagues in Egypt were meant to show the Egyptians that there is one G-d who reigns over both nature and beyond it. The coming of the Messiah will bring the full revelation of HaShem, when all nations will recognize the truth of G-d’s unity.
The Rebbe also emphasized that the redemption will be universal and not only for Jews. Non-Jews must not only believe in G-d but also acquire knowledge and understanding of Him. This requires education that goes beyond belief alone and engages the intellect in the spiritual experience.
This idea is expressed in the letter written by the Alter Rebbe to his colleges. The Alter Rebbe mentioned that even the Russian ministers and nobles recognized that his liberation came as a “wonder performed by HaShem” .
The message of Chassidism is not limited to the Jewish people. It is about bringing the knowledge of G-d to all of humanity so that the world can prepare for the coming of the Messiah. The 19th of Kislev reminds us that the ultimate redemption is for the entire world, and spreading this knowledge is the key to achieving that redemption.
The blog is made by Angelique Sijbolts as a summary of the class of Rabbi Tuvia Serber
Thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his inspiring teaching and feedback on the blog and feedback on the free translation of the Sicha
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