1. The Significance of Tes Kislev and Chassidic History
Today is the 9th of Kislev, which is significant in Chabad beyond its proximity to Chanukah on the 25th of Kislev. In Chabad, we mark several important dates in Kislev, and this week is especially notable. The Mitteler Rebbe—the second Lubavitcher Rebbe—is central to these commemorations. At that time, there were three generations: the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe, and later the Tzemach Tzedek. The 9th of Kislev marks both the birthday and yahrzeit—anniversary of passing—of the Mitteler Rebbe. This is unusual, as it’s rare for someone’s birth and passing to fall on the same day.
The following day, the 10th of Kislev, is when the Mitteler Rebbe was released from prison. His imprisonment was due to slander from those who opposed his teachings and influence. Many religious people at that time did not understand or accept certain aspects of his approach, leading them to speak negatively about him to the authorities. Ultimately, he was freed on Yud-Tes Kislev (the 19th?), but his personal redemption occurred on Yud Kislev (the 10th). The Chassidim found it difficult to celebrate immediately after his passing, so the Rebbe instructed that celebration should be reserved for his release on the 10th.
2. Yaakov’s Departure: Context and Parsha Overview
The parsha begins with Yaakov leaving Be’er Sheva, where his parents Yitzchak and Rivka lived, and traveling toward Charan. This journey follows last week’s parsha where Yitzchak gave Yaakov the blessings intended for Esav, at Rivka’s urging. When Esav returned and realized what happened, he became furious and wanted to kill Yaakov.
To protect him and ensure he would marry within their family rather than from local Canaanite women, Yitzchak and Rivka sent Yaakov away to Charan. The Torah emphasizes this departure: “Vayeitzei Yaakov miBe’er Sheva—Yaakov left Be’er Sheva.” This sets up all that follows: Yaakov’s journey, his dreams along the way, his arrival in Charan, working for Lavan, marrying Leah instead of Rachel by Lavan’s trickery, and ultimately building his family.
3. The Meaning Behind Names: Reuven’s Birth
The Torah describes how Leah names her first son Reuven because “ro’oh Hashem b’onyi (Bereishis 29:32)—Hashem saw my affliction.” She hopes that now her husband will love her more because she has borne him a son. Rashi comments that there is a deeper meaning: Leah foresaw through ruach hakodesh—divine inspiration—that Reuven would later act differently than Esav regarding their brothers.
This raises a question: why does Rashi interpret differently from the simple reading? The verse focuses on Leah’s personal pain and hope for affection from Yaakov, but Rashi sees a broader message about future events among her children. If you look at all the names given by Leah and Rachel to their sons, they often reflect their own emotional states or circumstances rather than direct prophecy about their children’s actions.
4. Seeing Versus Hearing: Spiritual Lessons from Names
The names Reuven (“see”) and Shimon (“hear”) reflect two modes of spiritual connection: sight versus hearing. When you see something with your own eyes (re’iyah—sight), you are certain of it; no one can convince you otherwise because you experienced it directly. Hearing (shemi’ah—hearing), however, leaves room for doubt—you rely on others’ testimony or reports.
This distinction mirrors different types of faith among people. Some have an unshakable sense that Hashem is present in their lives—they “see” divine providence everywhere and cannot be swayed by questions or doubts. Others “hear” about Hashem through tradition or teaching but may not feel as secure in their faith.
This connects to na’aseh v’nishma—“we will do and we will hear”—from Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). Bnei Yisrael committed themselves fully before even hearing what Hashem would command them, demonstrating a level of trust akin to seeing rather than merely hearing.
5. Historical Context: Napoleon Versus Czar in Jewish Life
The Mitteler Rebbe lived during a time when Jews debated whether Napoleon or the Czar would be better for Jewish life. Many Jews supported Napoleon because they believed he would bring emancipation and opportunity for Jews in France (and later America). However, both the Alter Rebbe and Mitteler Rebbe opposed Napoleon out of concern that increased freedom could lead to assimilation and loss of religious observance.
This debate echoes later Jewish experiences in America—a land full of opportunity but also risk for religious identity due to assimilation pressures. When Napoleon began losing power, Russian forces advanced into areas where many Jews lived. The Mitteler Rebbe (together with the Alter Rebbe?) was forced to flee with his family and followers into uncertain territory without established Jewish communities.
6. The Trials of Exile: Hardship and Resilience
The escape led them to a place called Haditch where they faced great hardship—loss of home, community upheaval, financial strain, even betrayal by those who reported them to authorities over money matters related to communal rebuilding efforts.
The Mitteler Rebbe endured imprisonment due to false accusations about how funds were managed for rebuilding Jewish life after war devastation. Even after his release on Yud Kislev (10th), suspicion lingered among some officials making full vindication slow in coming.
The resilience shown by Chassidim during these times became legendary within Chabad history as an example of steadfastness under pressure while maintaining spiritual focus.
7. Lessons from Chassidus: Faith Amid Uncertainty
The teachings passed down from these generations emphasize loving others deeply while maintaining unwavering faith in Hashem’s love for us as well. Sometimes our interactions with others can have unexpected consequences later on—a lesson relevant both historically and today as we navigate complex relationships between nations or communities.
This idea resonates now as we witness new alliances forming between Israel and countries like Bahrain or Saudi Arabia—a sign perhaps that we are approaching yemos haMoshiach—the days of Moshiach—but also a reminder that everything remains ultimately in Hashem’s hands regardless of political developments.
8. Jewish Identity First: A Story About Henry Kissinger
A story illustrates this point: When Golda Meir reached out to Henry Kissinger during a crisis asking him for help as a fellow Jew, Kissinger replied that first he was an American citizen, second a U.S. Secretary of State, only third a Jew. Golda Meir famously responded that Jews read from right-to-left—meaning one’s Jewish identity comes first!
No matter what fears or uncertainties arise about world events or politics, Am Yisrael will always be cared for by Hashem who sends us every blessing we need just as He guided Yaakov out from Be’er Sheva toward success despite daunting challenges ahead.