We should begin today’s Torah study with topics that explain the significance of this day – the Chassidic “laws” of the day. Naturally, we should begin by studying the words of the Rebbe Rashab that are printed in the introduction to Hayom Yom.
Daily influence from Yud Tes Kislev
Each person should do all they can to make the blessing materialize within each day of the year. This is similar to Rosh Hashanah [which, being the ‘head’ of the year, contains the vitality for each day of the coming year. Yud Tes Kislev, the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus likewise contains each day’s Chassidic vitality.] … Each day, we should elicit those matters from the teachings of Chassidus that pertain to that particular day. (Night of Yud Tes Kislev 5749; Hisva’aduyos p.4)
20th of Kislev – Isru Chag
One of the purposes of this gathering is to honor the guests who came here for Yud Tes Kislev, the Chag HaChagim (Festival of Festivals); today, after all, being “Isru Chag Yud Tes Kislev” [the day that directly follows and is closely associated with the 19th of Kislev].
Begin with LeShanah Tova
The most natural way, then, to open this address – and we always begin with a blessing – should be the words of blessing that the Previous Rebbe publicized in the name of his father [the Rebbe Rashab]: LeShanah Tovah BeLimud HaChassidus u’BeDarkei HaChassidus Tikaseiv VeSeichaseim – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chassidus and [following] the ways of Chassidus! (Or in the plural: Tikaseivu VeSecheimu). (Night following the 20th of Kislev 5749, at a general Yechidus for guests; Hisva’aduyos p.10)
See the conclusion of Hayom Yom. (ibid, footnote 2).
