Baltimore, MD - Dec. 16, 2022 -  The 19th of Kislev is the anniversary of the passing of R. Dovber, the Maggid of Mezritch the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, this year marks the 250th Yahrzeit, and anniversary of the release of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the first Chabad Rebbe (also known as the “Alter Rebbe” or the “Baal Hatanya”) who 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 Rebbe’s imprisonment was the earthly reflection of a heavenly complaint that was lodged against him and the Chassidic cause which he was promoting, and his liberation symbolized a heavenly green light for the continued promulgation of Chassidus.

As customary, the Lubavitch Yeshiva of Baltimore held a public event allowing all to participate in the festivities. Rabbis, students, community members and guests from all over flocked to Kol Torah hall Tuesday night for an evening of inspiration and a taste of a Chassidic “Farbrengen” with keynote guest Rav Efraim Piekarski, a noted Rav, Dayan and Author of Tosfos in English on many Masechtos in Shas, from the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn.

Hundreds of Sifrei Chassidus were sold at a special book fair at the event, including newly released Seforim at highly discounted prices for the benefit of all children and adults, from explanations on Tanya and basic Chassidus Seforim to Chassidic Stories for children.

The event was pleasantly emceed by Rav Levi Najar the Menahel of the Yeshiva.

A sumptuous dinner was served as all enjoyed the live music by Rabbi Mendy Chazan who played soulful Chassidic melodies. Notable addresses were given by local Rabbonim: Rav Elchonon Lisbon Rav of Beis Lubavitch, Rav Menachem Goldberger Rav of Tiferes Yisroel, on the current themes of the acquittal of the Alter Rebbe, who delighted the crowd as they recounted stories, anecdotes and fond memories of the characteristic Chassidic warmth and enthusiasm that had an eternal influence on Jewish life, all as a direct result of the Alter Rebbe’s activities after being freed on the 19th of Kislev. Rav Binyomin Marwick, Rav of Shomrei Emunah, shared Halachic discussion on the topic of saying Birchas Hagomel when flying.

Guest speaker Rav Piekarski, elaborated on what Chassidus is and why it’s needed and how it affects us all and shared beautiful stories of his first-hand encounters demonstrating his points, which further elevated this year’s celebration.

After joyous dancing, the guests sat down to a Chassidishe farbrengen with Rav Piekarski which lasted until the wee hours of the morning.