Ever since being entrusted by the Maggid with writing the Shulchan Oruch, the Alter Rebbe’s monumental work has served as a guiding light for Chassidim in how to preform halacha. The Rebbe saw its study and proliferation as part and parcel of hafotzas hamoyonos.
“Please do me a favor,” the Rebbe requested from a surprised Rabbi Yisroel Yitzchok Piekarsky, a Rosh Yeshiva at 770 who was from a Sochetchov background.
“In Sochatchov, they held the Alter Rebbe in high esteem. I therefore ask you to please write explanations on the Alter Rebbes Shulchan Oruch.”
In a Sivan 5735 Yechidus, the Rebbe said to Reb Mordechai Ashkenazi, then a moreh tzedek in Kfar Chabad. “You must dedicate a specific time every week to engross yourself in the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Oruch. If this means that you need to lock the door for some time, so be it...”
Similarly, in a 14 Sivan 5739 yechidus, the Rebbe told Reb Levi Bistritzki, the rov of Anash in Tzfas, to publish notes on Halacha, either from the Alter Rebbe or the Tzemach Tzedek.
“Although you are also capable of writing in Chassidus,” the Rebbe told him, “You should write in Halacha, and this will be your part in hafotzas hamoyonos!”
(Kfar Chabad issue 520 and 685; Halev Shel Tzefas p. 142)
