B"H

Friday, Kislev 19, 5785 / December 20, 2024

Today, the 19th of Kislev, is a special day in the Chassidic movement, as it is the yartzeit (day of passing) of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezritch, who took over the leadership of the Chassidic movement after the passing of its founder, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov.

The 19th of Kislev is also the day in which Rabbi Schneur Zalmen, first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch was liberated from prison.

He was imprisoned by the Czarist government for spreading the teachings of the Kaballah and Chassidus. Rabbi Schneur Zalmen's life was in grave danger. After 53 days of imprisonment, he was released on the 19th of Kislev in the year 1798. Since then, this day has been celebrated with great joy in appreciation of this great miracle.

The following is an important lesson he taught his son and successor.

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen and his son, Rabbi Dov Ber (named after his teacher), lived in the same house. Rabbi Dov Ber occupied the ground floor while his father lived on the floor above.

One day, while Rabbi Dov Ber was immersed in Torah study, his little baby fell out of the crib. Although Rabbi Dov Ber wasn't far away, he was so engrossed in his studies that he didn't hear the baby crying.

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen was also involved in deep study of the Torah. Yet, he heard the baby cry, rushed downstairs, picked up the baby and rocked him back to sleep. Through all this time, Rabbi Dov Ber, who was renowned for his deep concentration in study, remained oblivious to his child's loud crying and to his father's presence in the room!

Then Rabbi Schneur Zalmen asked his son, "Why didn't you respond to the baby's cry?"

"Father," answered Rabbi Dov Ber, "I simply didn't hear him cry!"

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen rebuked his son: "You must never be so involved in your own matters, however important they may be, that as a result you don't hear the cry of a child. Even when studying Torah at the highest levels one must be attuned to the cry of a Jewish child!"

It was a lesson which shaped the motto of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement throughout the generations. It is particularly evident today with the many Chabad centers all over the world to assist every Jew, young and old, teenagers and children, with their physical and spiritually needs. 

Chanukah, which begins next Wednesday night, teaches us this lesson. The small, seemingly insignificant Chanukah lights remind us of the importance of every soul. It is our duty and responsibility to listen, care, to kindle and instill in every Jewish child the light, beauty and warmth of Judaism.

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 3:55 / Shabbat ends: 5:05

UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW