This letter was sent to several Rebbeim who served as heads of chassidic dynasties.

B”H, 10 Kislev, 5711

Greetings and blessings,

The day of Yud-Tes Kislev — [which this year falls on] Tuesday, (the day associated with the Torah portion [including the verse]:1 “I am seeking my brothers,” [see] Zohar I, p. 184a),2 the day [on which the expression:]3 “And G‑d saw that it was good” — is approaching. It is the hillula of our revered Rebbe and master, the Maggid of Mezritch, the great disciple and successor of our revered Rebbe and master, the Baal Shem Tov, from whose water we drink and whose light we follow.

It is also the day of the redemption of the Alter Rebbe and the victory of the teachings of Chassidus, the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, on which “the children of Israeldeparted with an upraised arm.”4

As is well known, the Baal Shem Tov asked Mashiach:5“When are you coming, Master?” and Mashiach answered: “When your teachings will be publicized in the world and the wellsprings will spread outward.” For [the spread of these teachings] serves as preparation and an introduction for the coming of Mashiach.

[Let us] take cognizance of the spiritual responsibilities incumbent on the entire Jewish people and, especially, on the leaders of the Jewish people in general, and the leaders of the communities of chassidim in particular — and the great merit that is theirs: to spread the wellsprings of Chassidus, as endowed to us as a heritage by our master, the Baal Shem Tov, and after him, our master, the Maggid, and their students, the leaders of the [different] chassidic communities. [In this vein,] I would like to suggest to your esteemed holiness that on this luminous day, the coming Yud-Tes Kislev, or also on the Shabbosos that precede and follow it, that celebrations and gatherings be arranged for all those over whom you have influence so that at these gatherings, they will be [spiritually] aroused in particular to spread the wellsprings — the wellsprings of the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, his student, and his student’s students — outward, together with establishing fixed times for Torah study, the careful observance of mitzvos, love for one’s brethren, and refining one’s emotional characteristics according to the teachings of Chassidus.

May the merit of our Nesi’im, the Nesi’im of the Jewish people, protect us and [enable] us to succeed in fulfilling our mission in this world.

May our eyes witness the coming of Mashiach, speedily in our days, in our time, Amen.

From one who seeks your welfare with heart and soul,

Menachem Mendel ben Chanah Schneerson

Son-in-law of the Nasi, his holy honor,
our master, mentor and Rebbe (of Lubavitch);
זצוקללה"ה, נבג"ם, זי"ע, הכ"מ6
770 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn 13, N.Y.
U.S.A.