The Night of the Ninth of Kislev

On the night of 9 Kislev the Mitteler Rebbe fainted many times. Once they were unable to revive him. The chassidim came, as well as the Chevrah Kadisha (the burial society). The chassidim and the family did not give up hope. They tried, and they succeeded in reviving him.

They asked the Rebbe, "Didn't you hear the shouting in the house? Why are you frightening us so much?" He answered, "I heard a heavenly voice asking what such a neshamah has to do in this physical world."

The Rebbe asked to be dressed in his white clothes. Color returned to his face. He spoke of zechusim, the good things about Jews, saying that Jews are careful to keep mitzvos, especially tzedakah, giving more than they can. He told his chassidim and his family to be happy, for simchah sweetens judgment. He began to say Chassidus, and the chassidim became happy, as if it were a wedding. All felt that now the Rebbe would regain his health.

He said Chassidus all night and often asked if it was morning. He finished just before dawn. As he said the words "with You is the source of life," he passed away and was united with Hashem. The Tzemach Tzedek said that there had been no passing like it since Rav Shimon bar Yochai.