Light Unto the Nations: Part 1

After being freed from Russian prison on the 19th of Kislev, 1798, the Alter Rebbe wrote a letter describing the circumstances surrounding his liberation. It is striking to see how much emphasis he places on the impact his liberation had on the non-Jews of S. Petersburg.

One lesson we can derive from this: Whilst the Jewish People live in exile, it is G-d’s will that they live amongst, and rely upon, the non-Jewish nations. Jews are commanded to pray for the welfare of the state and abide by the law of the land. But a Jew’s good standing in society is also meant for a higher purpose: to elevate the non-Jewish world around him.

This sheds light on the Alter Rebbe’s letter: He wanted it to be known that his redemption also elevated the non-Jews of Russia. He was concerned not only that he be able to disseminate his Torah teachings to the Jewish People, but that the Russians, too, come to recognize G-d.