Chassidim joyfully celebrate the 19th and 20th of Kislev as the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism, with farbrengens and an increased commitment to the ways and teachings of Chassidism.
Tachnun and similar prayers are omitted and the the yearly cycle of the daily study of the Tanya, Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s major Chassidic work, is began.
On this day, Rabbi DovBer, known as “The Maggid of Mezeritch”, passed away. He was the disciple of, and successor to, the founder of Chassidism, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. Rabbi DovBer led the Chassidic movement from 1761 until his passing on Kislev 19, 1772.
On the 19th of Kislev of the year 5559 from creation (1798), Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi — a leading disciple of Rabbi DovBer of Mezeritch and the founder of Chabad Chassidism — was released from his imprisonment in the Peter-Paul fortress in Petersburg, where he was held for 53 days on charges that his teachings threatened the imperial authority of the Czar.
More than a personal liberation, this was a watershed event in the history of Chassidism heralding a new era in the revelation of the “inner soul” of Torah, and is celebrated to this day as “The Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism.”
In the Crown Heights area, some 31 farbrengens will be held for men, each will have refreshments and a guest speaker. An additional farbrengen will be held at the Ohel, along with hundreds of others in the New York area, across the United States and the world.
(To include additional farbrengens, email: [email protected])
Are there any Farbrengens for Women TONIGHT or just tomorrow night?
I have the same question. Is there anything for women tonight?
Stay posted!
Join Nshei’s Yud Tes Kislev event Tuesday night to find out about a new initiative that addresses this question!