Pursuit of Peace

The Alter Rebbe’s release on 19 Kislev was so surprising that even government ministers were awed by the course of events. The same ministers who ordered his arrest and forbade the dissemination of Chassidism, gave him freedom and allowed him to continue spreading Torah.

Conversely, the story of Chanukah was a difficult war against the superpower of the day. On Chanukah, the miracle, the redemption was achieved through fierce battle. We see that each generation has its unique purpose, conventions, and methods. Drawing on connections between Chanukah and the liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi from Czarist prison, the Rebbe suggests what today’s approach should be in fulfilling our mission.