The Avner Institute presents, in commemoration of Yud-Tes (19) Kislev – the liberation of the first Lubavitcher Rebbe Schneur Zalman of Liady from prison and the publication of the Tanya, cornerstone work of Chabad – the seventh Rebbe’s letter to a Columbia University professor urging Chassidism, even more vital today, as the tool against “spiritual cremation” – assimilation, decadence, alien philosophies – and the spark of Joseph that will reduce to stubble Hitler’s work.

When Divine service is deeply personal, where does Aliyah – immigration to Israel – fit in? How vital is it for spiritual growth? The Avner Institute presents the Rebbe’s keen comparison of a Jewish worshipper to a mountain climber, who must continue “to climb or slide back;” and the Holy Land to a palace, where encounters with the King require intense preparation – study of Chassidism, strict Torah observance, and proper motivations.