The Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi) was slandered to the Czar, and arrested and charged with high treason in 5559 (1798). His arrest placed the entire Chassidic movement into jeopardy. Miraculously, after just seven weeks of investigation and cross-examination, he was proven innocent beyond doubt and was released on the 19th of Kislev of that year.
The Alter Rebbe described his release, “Just as I had recited the verse [from Tehilim] ‘Who has redeemed my soul in peace’ – even before I had a chance to begin the next passage – I was redeemed in peace, by Hashem Who is Peace.”
The 19th of Kislev is also the anniversary of the passing of the Maggid of Mezritch (successor to the Baal Shem Tov and Rebbe of the Alter Rebbe), who passed away in the year 5533 (1772).
The soul of Rosh Hashanah
In addition to Yud Tes Kislev being the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus,” it is also the inner dimension of the regular Rosh Hashanah. (Parshas Vayishlach 5750; Hisva’aduyos p.472)
Greater each year
Yud Tes Kislev is not merely the anniversary of a past occurrence. Rather, as we recite regarding Chanukah, it occurred “BaYamim HaHeim BiZman HaZeh – In those days, [but also] in these times” [the influence generated then is again present on each anniversary]; the theme of redemption reoccurs each year. Further, it also influences all subsequent days. We clearly see how the redemption of Yud Tes Kislev is celebrated until this very day – and it spreads further and further amongst Jewry with each passing year. (Night following the 20th of Kislev 5749, at a Yechidus; Hisva’aduyos p.10)
