In Chasidic circles, and particularly Chabad Chasidic circles, the month of Kislev that we are now about to enter is known as the "Month of Redemption" for it contains many events of good news and Redemptive qualities.
Rosh Chodesh Kislev (this Sunday 1st of December), marks the anniversary of the Rebbe's first public appearance after suffering a heart attack in 1977.
The second of Kislev is the anniversary of the actual return of the holy books to their rightful owner - the library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad - following their illegal removal from the library. After a prolonged civil court-case, which decided to whom the library of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe belonged, the verdict was rendered on the day when the Torah reading stated, "I shall return in peace to my father's house."
The ninth of Kislev is the birthday and anniversary of passing of the second Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Dov Ber, known as the Mitteler Rebbe. On the 10th of Kislev, one year before his passing, the Mitteler Rebbe was released from prison where he had been interred on false charges.
On the 19th of Kislev, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the founder of Chabad, was released from his Czarist imprisonment. During his interrogation, he impressed the investigators, including the Czar himself, with his wisdom, scholarship and piety. Thus, the entire Chasidic movement was exonerated and its teachings could be spread freely. Ever since, the 19th of Kislev has been celebrated as the "New Year of Chassidus."
Of course, last but not least, the holiday of Chanuka, begins on the 25th of Kislev (this year beginning Sunday evening, December 3). It, too, is a holiday of redemption. On Chanuka we thank G-d for the miracles and for redeeming them from the oppressive rule of the Greeks.
May this month truly be a month of redemption for the entire Jewish people, with the coming of Moshiach, NOW.
