Month of Farbrengen
Constant and Commonplace
In 5749 (1988), the Rebbe instructed: Since the month of Kislev is the “Chassidishe Month,” it would be fitting to express this by arranging farbrengens throughout the month and in all locations.
“Revealed” and inner dimensions of the Torah, stressing a greater “wholeness” of Torah.
[We say this is the Tzemach Tzedek’s innovation] even though this was apparently the innovation of the Alter Rebbe, [grandfather of the Tzemach Tzedek]. Indeed, the Alter Rebbe’s very name, “Schneur Zalman,” alludes to this concept: “Schneur” is a combination of “Shnei-Or,” indicating that the “two lights” of the “revealed” and mystical dimensions of Torah combine to form a single entity [signifying their total unity – the Alter Rebbe was the author of both the Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav].
However, to enable people of our caliber to discern this harmony between the revealed and inner aspects of the Torah – and to do so vividly – requires the innovative approach that we find chiefly expressed in the Chassidic discourses of the Tzemach Tzedek.
There are very few discourses from the other Rebbeim in which this connection is so apparent – demonstrating this unity on a steady basis and in a multitude of discourses was the Tzemach Tzedek’s innovation.
Now is the time
The main thing is the deed: It is now erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev, which constitutes the “opening” and beginning of Kislev, the month that is uniquely bound with Torah’s mystical teachings as they are revealed through the teachings of chassidus.
We should therefore accept positive resolutions to increase our study of chassidus, and begin actualizing these resolutions – in reality and immediately. (Night of Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5749; Hisvaaduyos, p. 375)
Get a head start
May we be able to demonstrate that this entire month is a Kislev'dikeh month in actuality, by holding a farbrengen right away on its very first day – and then again on the second day and once more on the third... Then, with three days behind us, we will have established a chazakah [legal “fact”]. The same may also be said for the end of the month… (First day of Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5750; Hisvaaduyos, p. 411)
One glance says it all
On every day of this month it should be apparent in everyone that Kislev is a “Chassidishe Month” – since each chassid and all chassidim will farbreng throughout the month. (Tochen Katzar of Parshas Vayeitzei 5749)
We should certainly hold a farbrengen on the chassidishe festivals of this month.
