1. The First Printing of Sefer HaTanya
The 20th of Kislev, chaf Kislev—the year 5557 (תקנ״ז; 1796)—marks the completion of the first printing of Sefer HaTanya. This was a significant milestone, as until then, Tanya had only been circulated in handwritten copies, passed from person to person. There were thousands of such manuscripts, which led to many variations and errors in the text. The Alter Rebbe was very careful about what would be published and wanted to ensure that nothing extra or missing would appear in the printed version.2. The Alter Rebbe’s Approach to Publishing
The Alter Rebbe was meticulous about every word that would appear in Tanya. He did not rush to publish his work for the sake of publicity or recognition, but rather invested great effort to ensure accuracy and authenticity. This is contrasted with today’s tendency for people to publish quickly without proper review. The Talmud teaches that a wise person does not release anything from his hand unless it is perfect—this was especially true for the Alter Rebbe.3. Preparing Tanya for Print
Due to the many handwritten copies and resulting errors, the Alter Rebbe sent a special letter to his close chassidim, Reb Yehuda Leib Cohen and Reb Zusha of Anipoli, asking them to review the Tanya before it went to print. Only after receiving their approval did he give permission for printing. This took place in Elul of 5556 (תקנ״ו), the year before printing was completed.4. The Printing Process and Deadlines
The printing took place in Slavita, a major Jewish printing center at that time. The Alter Rebbe set a clear deadline: he wanted Tanya ready by Yud-Tes Kislev—the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of the Maggid of Mezritch, his teacher, [UNCLEAR: which fell on December 17th, 1772]. The Rebbe often emphasized meeting deadlines and encouraged chassidim to push themselves beyond what they thought possible.5. Delays and Final Completion on Chaf Kislev
Despite all efforts, Tanya was not ready by Yud-Tes Kislev as hoped. It was only on the second day of Chanukah—the 26th of Kislev—that a special messenger arrived from Slavita with 200 freshly printed copies of Tanya. Although officially dated as completed on Chaf Kislev (the 20th), it took several days for the books to reach their destination.6. The Deeper Meaning Behind Chaf Kislev
The Rebbe Rashab explained that everything happens for a reason ordained by Hashem—even delays are ultimately for good. The fact that Tanya was completed specifically on Chaf Kislev had deep significance, though at first people did not understand why the Alter Rebbe kept emphasizing this date.7. Connection Between Chaf Kislev and Yud-Tes Kislev
Three years later, in 5559 (תקנ״ט), another major event occurred: the Alter Rebbe’s release from prison on Yud-Tes Kislev. That night he found himself in the home of a prominent opponent (misnaged) who had slandered him to authorities. This encounter was so difficult that the Alter Rebbe later said those three hours were harder than all his time in prison.8. The Story of the Misnaged’s House
After his release from prison, by mistake, officials brought the Alter Rebbe into the home of one of his fiercest opponents who lived below [UNCLEAR: Reb Mordechai Meleple]’s apartment. The misnaged threatened him and demanded he sign an agreement to stop his new version of davening (Nusach Ari). Meanwhile, chassidim waiting outside grew worried when rumors spread that he hadn’t been freed after all. Eventually, they realized where he was and forced their way into the house just as the misnaged was berating him about changes like saying [UNCLEAR: Na Ritzak] instead of traditional prayers like [UNCLEAR: Kesser]. When they entered, they found the Alter Rebbe sitting quietly under verbal attack but unharmed. [UNCLEAR: Reb Mordechai Meleple] wanted to retaliate against the misnaged but was stopped by a hint from the Alter Rebbe who insisted on showing respect even under duress. After drinking tea offered by his host, he left with Reb Mordechai and remarked that those hours were more difficult than all his imprisonment.9. Lessons from Chaf Kislev and Tanya’s Printing
The events surrounding both Tanya’s printing and Yud-Tes Kislev teach about perseverance through adversity and trusting Hashem’s timing even when things do not go as planned. The completion date—Chaf Kislev—became significant in hindsight when viewed alongside later events in chassidic history. The message is clear: sometimes delays or difficulties are part of a greater plan leading to even greater accomplishments and spiritual revelations for generations to come through works like Sefer HaTanya.