1263 —התחדשות יט כסלו והפצת חסידות

It is told that during the imprisonment of the Alter Rebbe in the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Maggid and the Baal Shem Tov appeared to him from the World of Truth. Our Rebbe asked them why this had befallen him and what was demanded of him. They replied that a great accusation had arisen Above because he was teaching much Chassidus openly. The Rebbe asked: If I leave here, should I stop teaching Chassidus? They answered: Since you have begun, you must not stop; on the contrary, when you leave, you should teach even more.

And so it was: after his release, the Alter Rebbe increased both the times he taught Chassidus and the length and explanation of his discourses. It is known that before his imprisonment in Petersburg there was a 'revelation of light'—the teachings of Chassidus would 'burn up the world' because they were in a transcendent state; no one who heard them remained unchanged. But after Petersburg, everything was arranged in order and gradation within vessels, with an abundance of words for understanding—this was 'the great lowering to clothe Chassidus in intellect.'

When the accusation Above was nullified and agreement was given to this new path, automatically the imprisonment below was nullified as well; he went free, and a new conduct began—on Yud-Tes Kislev.

Since 'on this day great supernal lights were revealed and shone with brilliance,' so too every year on this day it happens again—the light returns and shines ever brighter. Thus, every year on Yud-Tes Kislev there is a renewal both Above and below—the victory of the Alter Rebbe’s path and approach.

This explains what is written in many places: this day is Rosh Hashanah for Chassidus and is auspicious for strengthening oneself in it. In our Rebbe’s words—my revered father-in-law—the greeting for this day: Gut Yom Tov! May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in learning Chassidus and following its ways.

Summary

The letter teaches that Yud-Tes Kislev marks an annual spiritual renewal for Chassidus, encouraging us to strengthen our study and practice each year as its light continues to shine ever brighter.