After the passing of the Baal Shem Tov on Shavuot 1760, R. Tzvi succeeded him as leader of the Chassidic movement. Exactly one year later, R. Tzvi announced to his disciples that his father had appeared to him in a vision and instructed him to transfer the leadership to R. Dovber, the Maggid of Mezeritch.
Link: Appointed as Maggid
Once a month, as the moon waxes in the sky, we recite a special blessing called Kiddush Levanah, "the sanctification of the moon," praising the Creator for His wondrous work we call astronomy.
Kiddush Levanah is recited after nightfall, usually on Saturday night. The blessing is concluded with songs and dancing, because our nation is likened to the moon—as it waxes and wanes, so have we throughout history. When we say this blessing, we renew our trust that very soon, the light of G‑d's presence will fill all the earth and our people will be redeemed from exile.
Though Kiddush Levanah can be recited as early as three days after the moon's rebirth, the kabbalah tells us it is best to wait a full week, till the seventh of the month. Once 15 days have passed, the moon begins to wane once more and the season for saying the blessing has passed.
Links:
Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon
Brief Guide to Kiddush Levanah: Thank G‑d for the Moon!
The Baal Shem Tov once said that he would rather be buried in the ground and return to the earth than rise to heaven in a fiery chariot like Elijah.
Why?
Because through an initial dip downward, you can reach much higher. And the lower the dip, the higher the reach.
So if it seems to you at times that life is pulling you down, burying your soul in mundane, earthly matters rather than letting you soar freely to the heavens...
...know that in all these mitzvahs here on earth you are gaining the power and momentum to rocket upward beyond the heavens, higher than you could imagine.
In the view from above, everything is always moving only upward.