Editing The Alter Rebbe (section)

== The Napoleonic War ==
When the Napoleonic War erupted between Napoleon and the Russian Empire, the Alter Rebbe made his opinion known to the chassidim. He explained that if Napoleon were victorious, it might lead to material relief for the Jews, but spiritually, it could bring increased heresy and moral decline, Heaven forbid.

To prevent this outcome, the Alter Rebbe did everything within his power to assist the Russian army. Immediately after Napoleon’s forces invaded Russia on 14 Tammuz 5572 (1812), the Alter Rebbe sent several chassidim to act as spies within the French army. Among these spies was the well-known chassid Reb Moshe Meizlish.

=== '''the Letter:''' ===
The Alter Rebbe sent a letter to all the Jews of Russia, urging them to support the Russian government with their money, efforts, and resources. He concluded the letter with the following words:<blockquote>''"Do not let your hearts falter, and do not be impressed by the temporary victories of the enemy, for the ultimate victory will be on the side of the Russian King."''</blockquote>

==== Fleeing Liadi ====
Initially, the Alter Rebbe refused to leave Liadi during the war, as he did not want to dishearten the Jews of White Russia. However, when Napoleon’s forces rapidly approached Liadi, he instructed the town’s Jewish residents to evacuate immediately. On Friday, 29 Menachem Av 5572 (1812), the Alter Rebbe, along with his family and 300 chassidic families, fled the town in haste to avoid falling into the hands of Napoleon's army.

Before departing, the Alter Rebbe instructed the chassidim to take all their belongings, including beds, tables, and even shtenders (prayer stands). Any old items were to be burned. After the chassidim had left and traveled some distance, the Alter Rebbe instructed them to return to Liadi to ensure nothing had been left behind. Upon their return, they discovered an old pair of slippers, which the Alter Rebbe ordered to be burned, along with the entire house in which they were found.

Shortly after the Alter Rebbe’s departure, Napoleon himself arrived in Liadi. Upon seeing the Alter Rebbe’s home in flames, Napoleon ordered his soldiers to extinguish the fire. However, the blaze was so intense that they could not approach. Desperate to obtain something that had belonged to the Alter Rebbe, Napoleon offered large sums of money to anyone who could retrieve an item connected to him, but nothing was found.

==== The Journey to Haditch ====
For 140 days, the Alter Rebbe and the chassidim endured a difficult journey, accompanied by Russian soldiers, until they reached the village of Piena, where they found some relief. During their time in Piena, news arrived that Napoleon’s army was suffering defeats, fulfilling the Alter Rebbe’s predictions. As the Mitteler Rebbe later wrote:

''"On Yud-Tes Kislev, we heard of the enemy’s downfall near Krasna, and they were driven away like dogs. We rejoiced greatly, for everything came to pass exactly as foretold."''

Following the Alter Rebbe’s departure from Liadi, the center of Chabad Chassidus relocated to Lyubavitch, where the Mitteler Rebbe established his residence a year later.