1. The Historical Context of 27 Kislev
The 27th day of Kislev is the third day of Chanukah—the Festival of Lights. In the year 5561 (תקס״א; 1800), this date corresponded to Sunday, December 14th. This day marks the second release of the Alter Rebbe—the founder of Chabad Chassidus—from imprisonment. While Yud-Tes Kislev is widely celebrated as the date of his first liberation, the 27th of Kislev commemorates his second redemption, which also holds great significance in Chabad history.
There is some discussion regarding the exact date of this event. Some sources suggest that the Alter Rebbe was released on the fifth day of Kislev, while others point to events on the 29th of Kislev. The Rebbe explains that both dates have meaning: a certain aspect of redemption occurred on the 27th, with further developments two days later. However, the more accepted tradition is to mark the third day of Chanukah, 27 Kislev, as the primary date.
2. The Nature and Circumstances of Imprisonment
The previous Rebbe writes that for two months—from 28 Tishrei to 27 Kislev—the Alter Rebbe was held in what was known as the [UNCLEAR: tiny Soviet]—a small holding cell in government offices, less severe than his earlier imprisonment in a fortress reserved for serious offenders. During this period, more than twenty groups comprising officials, scholars, and philosophers interrogated him about Judaism, Kabbalah, and Jewish history, particularly focusing on how his teachings aligned with traditional Jewish law and practice.
The main accusation during this second imprisonment was not personal ambition or rebellion against the government (as it had been two years prior), but rather concerns about his teachings in Chassidus and their influence on Russian Jewry. The investigations took place in one of the rooms within the [UNCLEAR: tiny Soviet], with the Alter Rebbe sometimes responding in Russian or in Lashon Kodesh—the holy tongue—with his son Reb Moishe translating and elaborating upon his words for clarity.
3. Release and Its Aftermath
The investigation concluded on Sunday night, 27 Kislev—the third night of Chanukah. The Alter Rebbe was granted permission to move into a private residence but was required to remain temporarily within Petersburg. The authorities recognized his leadership and organizational abilities, noting that most Jews across Russia followed him and that he influenced other Chassidic leaders as well.
The Tsar Pavel accepted recommendations from government officials to grant full freedom to the Alter Rebbe, allowing him to continue leading according to tradition but with a temporary restriction to stay in Petersburg. This development brought great joy to both the Jewish community and Chassidim, who celebrated his exoneration and renewed ability to teach openly.
4. Differences Between First and Second Imprisonments
The previous Rebbe notes that after this second liberation in 5561 (תקס״א) there was an even greater victory for Chassidus than after the first imprisonment. While initially he had been incarcerated under harsh conditions due to accusations against his person (such as seeking kingship or rebellion), this time he was not truly imprisoned but rather detained over ideological concerns regarding Chassidus itself.
This period marked a turning point: following his release, a friend convinced authorities to allow him greater freedom by relocating him elsewhere, which led to a new era of expansion for Chassidus under his leadership. The authorities treated him well thereafter, enabling significant growth and influence throughout Russia.
5. Rosh Chodesh Kislev: A Modern Parallel
There is a parallel between these historical redemptions and more recent events connected with Rosh Chodesh Kislev—the beginning of Kislev—which commemorates when our Rebbe returned home after recovering from a serious health incident during Simchas Torah/Shemini Atzeres. Despite medical advice urging hospitalization, those close to the Rebbe honored his wishes to remain at home for treatment, demonstrating faith in both medical science and spiritual guidance.
This episode highlights how psychological well-being can impact physical recovery: respecting a patient’s wishes may be crucial for healing. Ultimately, everything worked out positively due to courage shown by those who trusted in the Rebbe’s judgment over conventional medical opinion.
6. The Month of Kislev: A Time of Redemption
Kislev emerges as a month filled with redemptive celebrations: from Yud-Tes Kislev through Rosh Chodesh Kislev and culminating with 27 Kislev during Chanukah (which itself extends into Teves). Each event marks stages in communal or personal liberation for Chassidim across generations.
This pattern suggests that Kislev is uniquely associated with redemption—both historically through events like those involving the Alter Rebbe, and spiritually through ongoing celebrations marking freedom from various forms of constraint or adversity.
7. The Inner Dimension Revealed by Chassidus
A central lesson from these stories is that Chassidus reveals deeper layers beneath surface appearances—Pnimiyus, or inner meaning. Just as one might see only what meets the eye without recognizing hidden depths, so too does Chassidus teach us to uncover inner potential within ourselves and our world.
The mission is not merely self-fulfillment but practical action: every mitzvah performed draws another mitzvah after it, creating positive momentum in life and community.
8. Persistence in Outreach: A Story Illustrating Hidden Depths
An anecdote illustrates how even Jews distant from observance retain deep-rooted connections to Yiddishkeit beneath the surface. Sometimes outreach efforts are met with resistance or indifference—as when people respond “mind your own business” when approached about mitzvos like tefillin on mitzvah tanks.
A story is shared about a woman who married out but requested before her passing that her son have a bar mitzvah despite her family’s lack of observance. Initially rebuffed by her non-Jewish husband after her death, persistent engagement by a shaliach eventually led him to honor her wishes for their son’s bar mitzvah celebration.
This demonstrates that even when Jewish identity seems dormant or denied outwardly, it remains alive within every Jew’s soul—sometimes only revealed at moments of crisis or transition. Such stories inspire continued outreach efforts: knocking on doors again and again can awaken hidden sparks and help make this world a better place through practical acts rooted in deep spiritual truth.