Anniversary of the passing of the Maggid of Mezritch in 1772. Rabbi DovBer was the successor of the Baal Shem Tov in the leadership of the Hasidic Movement, from 1761 to 1772.
Anniversary of the release from prison, in 1798, of the founder of the Chabad Lubavitch Movement and disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known as the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav.
His imprisonment lasted 53 days and occurred under the charge that his teachings threatened the Tsar's imperial authority. More than a personal liberation, it is a milestone in the history of Hasidism that ushered in a new era in the revelation of the "soul of the Torah." This day is celebrated worldwide as Hasidic New Year.
Just as Rosh Hashanah is a time to review the past and make good resolutions for the future, the 19th of Kislev is a time to do the same with regard to the study of Hasidism.
Among the fundamental issues of Hasidism are introducing vitality and enthusiasm into the observance of the Mitzvot, the emphasis on love of neighbor and joy.