On the Hilula (anniversary of death) of our master, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the "Baal Hatanya", the Torah-Box team happily offers readers a few of this Tzaddik life experiences. Whoever talks about a Tzaddik on the day of his Hilula, is protected by the latter, who prays on his behalf. Light a candle and recite:" In honor of Rabbi Schneor Zalman of Liadi, may his merit protect the entire People of Israel, Amen!"

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, author of the Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch, passed away on Motzei Shabbat (Parashat Shemot, on the eve of the 24th of Tevet, 5573-1812).

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi is a prominent figure who left an indelible mark in the Jewish world, not only as the founder of the Chabad Chassidut but as one of the spiritual giants of Chassidut who ever lived. In addition to his piety and holiness, he was known for his genius in esoteric Torah matters, which is reflected in the Shulchan Aruch which he authored. He became known for his famous book, the Tanya, which is considered the written Torah of Chassidut, the esoteric aspect of the Torah.

His 67 years of life were quite agitated. He was born in White Russia, in a small settlement near the city of Lyozin. At the time, this area was under Polish control and was considered a province of Lithuania. Thus, Rabbi Schneur Zalman was nicknamed the "Litvak" by the students of the Maggid of Mezeritch.

His parents were loyal Chassidim of the Baal Shem Tov and took their young three-year-old son to the Baal Shem Tov, to get his first haircut and sidelocks. But the Baal Shem Tov advised them not to reveal Chassidut to their young son. "He must discover Chassidut on his own", he claimed.

In fact, as he grew into a young adult, the latter hesitated between going to Vilna, a center of Lithuanian Torah study or to Mezeritch, a center of Chassidut. After giving the matter some thought, he came to a decision: "In Vilna, one learns how to learn, and I already know how to study a little bit. But in Mezeritch, they learn how to pray, and I am a total ignoramus in this area". Thus, he headed for Mezeritch and became one of the Maggid of Mezeritch (master of Chassidut, post-Baal Shem Tov generation), favorite students.

After the Maggid of Mezeritch passing, he returned to his native area, now under Russian control. He created Chabad Chassidut, which relies on deepened Torah study and introspection to arouse feelings of love for the Creator, fear of Heaven, joy, and love for one's fellow men from an intellectual perspective. He described his inexhaustible philosophy in his major work, the Tanya, a book on Chassidic thought, which merged all the principles of Chassidim together.  

Rabbi Or Not?

When Russian police arrived to arrest Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, during Chol Hamoed Sukkot, the latter asked them to grant him a moment to reflect; he exited the house through the back door to think about what to do next.

The policemen's chief understood the situation was critical and decided to wait until after the festival. They returned on Isru Chag, the day after Simchat Torah, and the Rabbi agreed to follow them.

Some sources recount that before the policemen's second raid, the Rabbi consulted one of his loyal followers, Rabbi Shmuel Munkass, to consider whether he should comply with the arrest.

The student's reply was audacious and incisive: "What are you afraid of, Rabbi? If you are a real rabbi, nothing will happen to you. If you are not a real Rabbi, who gave you the right to impose restrictions on thousands of Jews?"

This answer enticed the Rabbi to accept being arrested.

A Tzaddik Advice Must be Immediately Executed

Once the Maggid of Mezeritch traveled with his students. The latter were accommodated in a Jewish Inn. The innkeeper consulted the Maggid of Mezeritch and asked whether he should stay in the inn, whose rental fees had skyrocketed or go over to a different inn at the other side of the river? The Maggid sent him over to meet with his student, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi and said: "He is a big scholar".

When Rabbi Schneur Zalman pondered upon the details of this question, he advised the innkeeper to opt for the inn located on the other side of the river. He also blessed him and said: "Meshane Makom, meshane Mazal (whoever, relocates, changes his destiny towards blessings and good tidings".

In the morning, Rabbi Schneur Zalman noticed that the inn was being vacated and that the innkeeper was standing outside, watching the loaded lorries, while the last guests left the inn. The innkeeper explained that when one receives advice from a Tzaddik, it must be immediately implemented.

As soon as they crossed the river, unforeseeable lightning struck the inn, which was completely destroyed by fire…