The 19th of Kislev is the anniversary of the date when Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the first Chabad rebbe, was released from prison in 1798. He was imprisoned due to libelous information supplied to the czarist government by opponents of the fledgling chassidic movement. According to chassidic tradition, the imprisonment of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the “Alter Rebbe,” was merely the earthly reflection of a heavenly complaint which was lodged against him and the chassidic cause which he was promoting; his liberation symbolized a heavenly green light for the continued promulgation of Chassidism. Therefore, among Chabad Chassidim, this day is known as the “Rosh Hashanah (New Year) of Chassidut,” and is festively celebrated.
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