Alter Rebbe: opposition to Napoleon & final teaching

Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liady (1745-1812 C.E.) was the founder of the Chabad branch of the Chassidic movement. He passed away in the Russian town of Pienna, after Napoleon failed to capture him at his home in Lubavitch. He passed on 24th of Tevet, which falls on 13 January in 20’26. Although most Rabbinical leaders in that time favored Napoleon, the Alter Rebbe supported victory for Russia. This was because prophetically, he foresaw that victory by Russia would result in less Jewish assimilation.

His chassidic holiday of 19th-20th of Kislev falls between late November and mid December. It is the anniversary of his miraculous release from prison in Czarist Russia in 17’98, after he was cleared of slanderous false charges. It is celebrated as the “Rosh HaShanah” (New Year’s Day) for the teachings of Chassidus. In 20’25, the 19th of Kislev (“Yud-Tes” Kislev) fell on December 9th.

Most significantly, the Alter Rebbe spread out inner dimensions of Torah that he revealed in his Chabad Chassidic teachings. His work that is most recommended for Noahides is The Gate of Unity and Faith (Sha’ar HaYichud Veha’emunah). It introduces and explains the fundamentals of the Unity of G-d, and the process by which G-d continuously makes the creation from nothing.

The Alter Rebbe was also a great authority in Torah law. For example, he authored an updated edition of the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), titled the Shulchan Aruch Ha’Rav.

Lesson from Rabbi Yosef Eisen, on the historical context of his opposition to Jewish assimilation under Napoleon (from Miraculous Journey):

Lessons from Rabbi Nachman Simon:

(1) The Alter Rebbe was the founder of the Chabad Chassidic movement

(2) His final teaching after escaping from Napoleon’s invading army