I recently heard a friend discuss “how to win when you are losing.” How does one pull through the dreary days and the humdrum elements of life without losing spunk and spirit, and maybe even gain from the lows?
In 1798 the founder of the Chabad movement, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, known as the Alter Rebbe, was arrested on trumped-up charges of treason. His life was in mortal danger, and the devastation of the Chassidic movement he led seemed imminent.
In a miraculous turn of events, he was released from prison 53 days later, on the 19th day of Kislev - known as “Yud Tes Kislev”. After answering dozens of questions and proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that Chabad teachings and culture were no danger to society, the Czar approved the new movement. However, as in all things, the initial arrest and subsequent liberation that occurred on the physical plane reflected a similar drama happening in the heavens. Chabad teachings are the deepest elements of Torah ever revealed to man, and the cosmos themselves questioned the appropriateness of disseminating such divine treasures. Eventually, divine permission was granted for these deep secrets to be revealed to the entire world. In a letter to his friend and colleague, the revered Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berdichev, the Alter Rebbe described the moment he learned of his acquittal and immediate freedom. “I was reciting chapter 55 of Tehillim (psalms) at the time. When I reached the verse “Pada BeShalom - He (G-d) redeemed my soul with peace from the battle that came upon me,” before I could recite it, I was notified of my peaceful release.” For the past 226 years the verse “Pada BeShalom” has not only personified the tremendous miracle of 19 Kislev and the epic victory of Chabad chassidism over all adversaries; it also expresses the entire mission of Chabad on a personal and global level. One can be victorious in battle, either through aggression, by destroying and disposing of the enemy, or through peace by transforming the enemy into an ally. Chabad teachings educate us to view every challenge as an opportunity for continued growth and every enemy as a potential ally. Not through compromising our integrity or fudging the truth, but by seeing reality from a deeper perspective and finding the good in everything and everyone. This is called a peaceful victory, where everyone is a winner - for real. Today is Yud Tes Kislev and millions around the world are celebrating the spiritual revolution this miracle unleashed, through festive dinners, with plenty of L’chaims and dancing. An essential part of the traditional celebration is singing the song composed for the words of “Pada BeShalom.” Listen to a recording here. Here are the lyrics. But most importantly we can make “Pada BeShalom” our personal mantra as well, through studying more Chabad teachings and applying their lessons. This helps us appreciate how the humdrum of life is the divine process through which amazing miracles happen and is therefore permeated with meaning and purpose. Instead of being frustrated with and worn out from the dreary days, we learn to embrace every moment of life with true enthusiasm and flourish from every encounter. May this year’s celebration of Yud Tes Kislev be the final accumulative one needed to reach the ultimate redemption through Moshiach, who will unleash a global awakening to these truths, and usher in an era of true global peace and tranquility, when all humanity will give thanks to G-d for “Pada BeShalom” - redeeming us from the many battles ravaging the world - in peace. Lechaim!