A few days after Reb Mendel's arrest, the Rebbe Rashab suddenly left Lubavitch. He travelled to Moscow and hired a top lawyer in an attempt to obtain Reb Mendel's release.
Everyone thought the Rebbe Rashab would return to Lubavitch in time to celebrate Yud Tes Kislev with his Chasidim. (Yud Tes Kislev - the 19th of the Hebrew month of Kislev - is the anniversary of the release from Czarist imprisonment of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad Chasidism, on trumped up charges.) But as days passed, the Chasidim began to doubt whether this would indeed be so.
Festive preparations for the "Holiday of Liberation," also known as the New Year of Chasidism, that was to take place on Shabbat, continued. The Chasidim hoped that perhaps the Rebbe would return to Lubavitch after all. A special committee of students was established to organize the festivities. Many guests streamed to Lubavitch for the big day. People were full of anticipation. Just maybe...
A few days before Yud Tes Kislev, two elder Chasidim discussed the possibility of asking the Rebbe to come back from Moscow especially for Yud Tes Kislev or whether, perhaps, everyone should travel to Moscow to be together with the Rebbe. In the evening they went to Rebbetzin Rivka, the Rebbe Rashab's mother, with the request that she ask the Rebbe to come to Lubavitch even for one day.
The Rebbetzin answered, "I am certain that if he could come, he would certainly do so." Then she added, "I cannot ask of him something with which his holy wisdom doesn't agree." The two Chasidim left heavyhearted.
On the 18th of Kislev, a letter arrived in Lubavitch addressed to Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok, son of the Rebbe Rashab and director of the Yeshiva. It was a letter explaining the fundamental significance of Yud Tes Kislev. It had been written especially for the grand farbrengen (Chasidic gathering) that would take place the next night, in lieu of the Rebbe Rashab's presence.
The yeshiva's hall was washed and decorated. Long tables and hundreds of chairs were arranged. Beautiful vessels were brought from the home of the Rebbe Rashab and placed on the tables.
The holy Sabbath descended on the city of Lubavitch. The Chasidim studied for an hour and a half, then the Kabalat Shabbat service welcoming the Sabbath Queen commenced. When the prayers were over, it was announced that the Rebbe Rashab's letter would be read.
With measured steps, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok walked over to the podium. All rose. Silence reigned as the only sound heard was the rustling of the pages of the letter. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok began reading aloud. Each word was golden, each letter a sparkling jewel. "My children, may you live," the letter began, and the loving voice of the father could be heard throughout the hall.
Concluding the reading, all the students sat and began singing a Chasidic tune. The melody poured forth sweetly, emanating from the hundreds of students in unison.
Later that evening, an elder chasid, Reb Dov Zev, rose to relate the story of the arrest and liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman. In vivid tones he described the pain experienced by the Chasidim when Rabbi Shneur Zalman was taken from them. He recounted the entire story up until the release of Rabbi Shneur Zalman from jail. He described the Chasidim somersaulting in the snowy streets of Petersburg, and the tremendous joy they all experienced.
Afterwards, an old Chasid by the name of Reb Shmuel Betzalel stood up and inspired the multitude with his heartfelt and fiery words of connection to the Rebbe. Reb Shmuel Betzalel raised a cup for l'chaim and his voice shook with emotion. The students gazed upon him, always in awe, for he had merited to see the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe.
After a brief break, the meal began, which continued until 2:00 a.m. It was a royal feast befitting the Rosh Hashana of Chasidism, Yud-Tes Kislev. At the end of the meal, all danced.
At 3:00 a.m., Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok blessed all present and was accompanied home with great love.
Adapted from Beis Moshiach Magazine
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