The Tzemach Tzedek: Difference between revisions

On Sunday, 29th of Elul 5549 in the city of Liozna, Rabbi Menachem Mendel was born to his father R' Shalom Shachna and Rebbetzin Devorah Leah Altschuler. His parents named him "Menachem Mendel" after Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk. In 5553 on 3rd of Tishrei, when he was three years old, his mother passed away and as per her final request, Menachem Mendel was adopted by his grandfather, the Alter Rebbe who cherished him greatly. Menachem Mendel would sleep in the Alter Rebbe's room, near the Aron Kodesh and was constantly at his side. Until his wedding, the Alter Rebbe would cover him with his tallis during Birchas Kohanim on Yom Tov, and until age nine would cover him during shofar blowing on Rosh Hashanah. On 11th of Tishrei 5553, the Alter Rebbe brought him to begin learning in cheder.

When he was eight years old, the Alter Rebbe suggested to his son, the Mitteler Rebbe, to take him as a chosson for his daughter Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, but the Mitteler Rebbe hesitated and showed his father through the window how he was playing with all the children in childish ways. The Alter Rebbe approached the window and motioned with his finger for his grandson to enter the room. When Menachem Mendel entered, he gave him a Gemara and instructed him to memorize a daf with Rashi and Tosafos within half an hour, to return to the room and repeat everything he had learned. The Mitteler Rebbe, who waited in the room, noticed after about fifteen minutes that the child was again playing outside with his friends, turned to his father and said 'He doesn't even listen to your voice!' The Alter Rebbe called the child and rebuked him but Menachem Mendel claimed that he had already learned and began to repeat the daf by heart.

Until age 13 his main learning was in nigleh and after bar mitzvah age the Alter Rebbe established special times to learn with him Kabbalah and Chassidus.