A Teaching from Each Rebbe
Our study should include a teaching from each of the leaders of Chassidus: The Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezritch and the Rebbeim of Chabad.
Breadth and Depth
We should study (a) the teachings of each Chabad Rebbe on a range of topics; as well as (b) the various teachings of each Rebbe on a single subject.
Both endeavors have their own unique advantage: Studying the works of a single Rebbe allows for a deeper perspective, while studying a single topic from each of the Rebbeim highlights their respective innovations and provides a broader perspective.
More Each Day
Ideally, we should study more and more each day in Kislev, adding in both quantity and in quality – and continuing even after Kislev has passed.
Those who already began this study (of all the Rebbeim’s teachings) from the beginning of Kislev should certainly continue to do so; they should further increase their study in keeping with the precept to “constantly ascend in matters of holiness.” Those, however, who have not yet begun to do so – for whatever reason – should now make use of these propitious days, the ninth and tenth of Kislev, to made good their lack in the appropriate manner. (Ninth of Kislev 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 395) [See also Parshas Vayeitzei 5749 (Hisvaaduyos, p. 405).]
Festival of Spiritual Oil
It has been pointed out that the festival of Chanukah (the miracle of which symbolizes the “oil” – or inner teachings – of Torah) begins at the end of Kislev and then continues into the month of Teves. (Parshas Toldos 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 384, fn. 90).
From the Avos
We should study a “vort,” a short saying from the teachings of all “three fathers” of chassidus: the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid and the Alter Rebbe. Whoever can manage more should also study the teachings of all other Chabad Rebbeim. (Night of Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 375)
On every day in Kislev, we should study an extra topic from the teachings of Chassidus – preferably in groups. Ideally, we should study a teaching from all “three fathers” of chassidus... (Parshas Toldos 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 384)
Blessings for Spreading Chassidus
Surely, we will all add much to the directives being discussed – for it is the nature of a Jew to wish to add something of his own .... in so doing, we become “partners with G-d in Creation” … in this case, too, everyone will add to the directives mentioned here on their own initiative. Whoever speaks to their fellows – men to other men and women to other women – and inspires them to increase their study of chassidus will be blessed! (Night of Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 375)
Two Approaches
The study of separate topics from each of the Chabad Rebbeim lends itself to more in-depth analysis than the study of all of the Rebbeims’ teachings on a single topic. On the other hand, by studying what all of the Rebbeim have taught on a single subject, it is possible to appreciate and discern the novel points that each Rebbe adds. (Parshas Vayeitzei 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 404, fn. 94)
Climax or Catch Up
Those who already began this study (of all the Rebbeim’s teachings) from the beginning of Kislev should certainly continue to do so; they should further increase their study in keeping with the precept to “constantly ascend in matters of holiness.” Those, however, who have not yet begun to do so – for whatever reason – should now make use of these propitious days, the ninth and tenth of Kislev, to made good their lack in the appropriate manner. (Ninth of Kislev 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 395) [See also Parshas Vayeitzei 5749 (Hisvaaduyos, p. 405).]
