Living Torah Archives

On the 19th of Kislev, Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the first Rebbe of Chabad, was released from prison after being arrested by Czarist authorities on false charges of providing aid to the Turkish Sultan.

Imprisoned in Czarist Russia, the Alter Rebbe’s case was at the mercy of the hostile officials of the most powerful country in the world. Miraculously, his acquittal was ordered by the Czar himself, and he was freed on the nineteenth of Kislev.

This nigun was sung by Reb Michoel Dworkin, a prominent chosid, upon the Release of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson from Soviet imprisonment in 1927.

Two weeks before Chabad’s victory in “The Book Trial,” Chasidim sing “Didan Notzach — Victory is Ours,” as the Rebbe distributes dollars to the Mitzvah Tankists.

Chassidim sing a joyous Nigun.

“But I will trust in You.” The Alter Rebbe was reciting this Psalm when he was informed of his release from prison on 19 Kislev, 5559. (Psalms 55:24)

“May it be Your will, L-rd our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days, and grant us our portion in your Torah.” From the Daily Prayers.

According to Jewish custom, the Shir Lama’alot psalm is posted beside a newborn baby’s crib. This was commonplace when Jewish women gave birth in the atmosphere of their own homes. Nowadays, when most children are born in hospitals, it is vital to encourage Jewish mothers everywhere to have this Psalm in the delivery room and to post it in the room where the baby stays afterwards. This will help ease the birth process, strengthen the baby, and prepare the baby for a life of holiness.

“When will the Master come?” This question was asked of Moshiach by the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, during a visit to his chamber On High. “When your Wellsprings (of Chassidism) will spread to the outside,” was Moshiach’s response.

A vintage clip of this lively Niggun, as the Rebbe claps his hands to encourage the singing.

A joyous Chabad song. The Rebbe encourages the singing, while motioning to some to say L’chaim.