The Alter Rebbe

Rabbi Schneur Zalman Boruchovitch of Liadi - known as the Alter Rebbe, the Rav HaMaggid of Liozna, or the Baal HaTanya and Shulchan Aruch - (18 Elul 5505 - 24 Teves 5573), was one of the primary disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is the founder of Chabad Chassidus and the first Rebbe in the Chabad dynasty. He authored the Tanya, the foundational text of Chabad Chassidus, and wrote the "Shulchan Aruch HaRav."

Early Life

Chabad-Lubavitch
The Chasidic Founders
Baal Shem Tov • The Maggid
The Seven Rebbes of Chabad
Alter Rebbe • Mitteler Rebbe • Tzemach Tzedek • Rebbe Maharash • Rebbe Rashab • Rebbe Rayatz • The Rebbe
General Topics
Chassidus • Beis HaRav • Chasidim • Music • Mivtzoim • Geography
V – T

The Alter Rebbe's parents, Rabbi Boruch Pozner (a descendant of the Maharal of Prague) and Rivka, were married on Friday, 17 Elul 5503. After approximately ten months without children, following the advice of Rabbi Yitzchak Shaul, a friend of Rabbi Boruch, the couple traveled to seek the blessing of the Baal Shem Tov. In the month of Menachem Av 5504, they arrived at the Baal Shem Tov's court, and he promised them that within a year they would have a son. They remained with the Baal Shem Tov for some time, and during the celebration of the Baal Shem Tov's birthday on 18 Elul, he turned to Rabbi Boruch and said, "At exactly this time next year, you will embrace a son."

Before leaving Mezhibuzh, they entered the Baal Shem Tov's room to receive his parting blessing. Rebbetzin Rivka told the Baal Shem Tov that when Hashem fulfills his holy blessing, she would dedicate the child to Torah and Divine service in the way of the Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov blessed them, and they returned home with joy. Exactly one year later, on Wednesday, 18 Elul 5505, Schneur Zalman was born in a small village near Liozna.

Childhood and Youth

From his earliest years, the young Schneur Zalman displayed extraordinary intellectual gifts. By age two, his parents noticed his exceptional memory and comprehension, as he could recite many chapters of Tehillim by heart. At age eight, he wrote a commentary on Torah incorporating the explanations of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Ramban.

At age nine, his father took him to Lubavitch to study under Rabbi Yissachar Dov. By age eleven, Rabbi Yissachar Dov told Rabbi Boruch that his son no longer needed teachers, and Rabbi Boruch brought him back home to Liozna. Bar Mitzvah The Bar Mitzvah celebration in 5518 was attended by leading Torah scholars of the generation from Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Minsk. His father Rabbi Boruch and grandfather Rabbi Moshe arranged seven days of festive meals, with Torah insights shared each day. The young Schneur Zalman's insights surpassed all others and were recorded by his brother Rabbi Yehuda Leib of Minovich. All the scholars conferred upon him the titles of "Gaon" and "Rav Tanna Hu U'Palig."

Shortly after his Bar Mitzvah, he traveled to Vitebsk to his uncle Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Shrei, where he stayed for several months. There, he first heard about the ways of Chassidus and the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, though at the time he did not know these were the Baal Shem Tov's teachings. He later related that during his stay with his uncle, each day felt like Yom Tov.

Marriage

When the Alter Rebbe reached marriageable age - at fourteen - his reputation as a gaon (genius) had already spread throughout the region.

Reb Yehuda Leib Segal, one of the wealthy and distinguished residents of Vitebsk, took him as a son-in-law for his daughter, Rebbetzin Sterna. Initially, the wedding was set for Elul 5519, but since the Alter Rebbe's father Rabbi Boruch had to travel at the beginning of Elul, the wedding was postponed.

The mechutan (in-law) Reb Yehuda Leib Segal demanded to hold the wedding in the winter of 5520, but Rabbi Boruch did not agree. After Pesach, Rabbi Boruch traveled again and returned in the month of Tammuz, when he set the wedding date for Friday, Erev Shabbos Nachamu, 12 Menachem Av 5520.

One of the conditions the Alter Rebbe stipulated in agreeing to the shidduch was that he would receive control over the five thousand gold coins that were brought as his dowry, to use as he saw fit. Indeed, in the first year after his marriage, with his wife's consent, he gave the entire sum to families who wished to earn their livelihood from working the land. With this money, he helped them purchase land and farming equipment. Through this initiative, large settlements of Jewish farmers were established along the Dvina River that crosses through Vitebsk. The Alter Rebbe visited these settlements frequently, encouraging the Jews to establish fixed times for Torah study, and would often share stories from Torah and Chazal.

By age eighteen, he was thoroughly versed in all of Talmud with its commentaries, including the works of the Rishonim and Acharonim.

In Mezeritch

Although the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, did not meet the Baal Shem Tov except at his upsherin at the age of three, he referred to the Baal Shem Tov as his spiritual grandfather. He remarked, "Reb Boruch of Medzhybizh is the Baal Shem Tov's physical grandson, and I am his spiritual grandson." This statement can be explained in two ways: either through his first teacher, Rabbi Yissachar Ber of Lubavitch, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, or through his primary teacher, the Maggid of Mezeritch, who was one of the foremost students of the Baal Shem Tov.

After Pesach in the year 5524 (1764), with his wife's consent, he embarked on fulfilling the teaching "Exile yourself to a place of Torah."

After deliberation, he chose to travel to Mezeritch to study under Rabbi Dovber, the Maggid of Mezeritch. His primary reasoning was that while in Vilna, they teach how to learn, something he already mastered, in Mezeritch, they teach how to daven, a skill he had yet to acquire.

When the Alter Rebbe decided to remain in Mezeritch, the Maggid revealed to him the words of the Baal Shem Tov: that he was a new soul (neshama chadasha) of Atzilus revealed in a physical body. His mission was to reveal and explain the Baal Shem Tov's teachings concerning the love of Hashem, love of Israel, and the path of Chabad Chassidus, emphasizing that one must love a fellow Jew simply because they are a Jew. The Alter Rebbe would later say that in Mezeritch, he learned what Hashem is, what Yisroel is, and the power of a niggun.

In Mezeritch, the Alter Rebbe learned b’chavrusa (in partnership) with Rabbi Avraham the Malach, the son of the Maggid.

After spending a year and a half in Mezeritch, he returned to his home in Vitebsk and began spreading the teachings of Chassidus, as established by the Baal Shem Tov. The Alter Rebbe revolutionized Vitebsk; even its great scholars were astounded by his profound genius. When his father-in-law, Reb Yehuda Leib Segal, observed that his son-in-law had become a "chassid," he began to make his life difficult, even pressuring his daughter to divorce him. When she refused, her father expelled her from his home.

The founding of Chassidus Chabad

Expanded Entry – The Founding of Chabad Chassidus

When the Alter Rebbe returned from Mezritch for the first time, he shared that the Maggid revealed to him that one of his missions in this world was to reveal the teachings of Chabad Chassidus. In the year 5532 (1772), as the Russians took control of the Vitebsk and Liozna regions from the Poles, the Alter Rebbe founded the Chabad Chassidic path—serving Hashem with Chochmah, Binah, and Daas (wisdom, understanding, and knowledge).

Following the dissemination of this approach by the Alter Rebbe and his emissaries, hundreds of young scholars joined the movement. At the Alter Rebbe's side in the founding of Chabad stood his brother, Reb Yehudah Leib Posner. Over the next four years, Chabad Chassidus spread among hundreds of additional elevated individuals. After the passing of the Maggid of Mezritch and the departure of Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (the most prominent disciple) to Eretz Yisrael, the leadership of Chassidus in Lithuania transitioned to the Alter Rebbe. By the year 5540 (1780), Chabad Chassidim numbered approximately 15,000 families throughout Russia.

During this time (5532/1772), the Alter Rebbe advocated that the Jews residing in the city of Vitebsk should relocate across the border into Russian territory.

Nasi of Chassidus Chabad

Expanded Entry – Gatherings of the Maggid’s Disciples

On the 18th of Kislev 5533 (1772), the Maggid of Mezritch requested that the Alter Rebbe do all he could to ensure that his son, Reb Avraham the Malach, would succeed him. If Reb Avraham declined, the Maggid instructed that Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk should assume the position. The following day, on the 19th of Kislev, the Maggid passed away, and his prominent disciples dispersed to various countries to spread the teachings of Chassidus. Reb Avraham the Malach resided in the region of Volhynia, while Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk resided in Russia. The Alter Rebbe and the Maggid’s other disciples immediately submitted a written bond of allegiance to Reb Avraham the Malach.

At that time, opposition to the Chassidic movement was at its peak. Overcoming this resistance required a steadfast leader who could face the challenges. Therefore, Reb Avraham the Malach convened a gathering and decided to appoint an administrative council with a chairman empowered to direct all Chassidic centers as needed for the dissemination of Chassidus. The Alter Rebbe was chosen as chairman. He held this position for three years, during which he traveled extensively to strengthen the Maggid’s disciples in their respective locations.

In the year 5536 (1776), the Alter Rebbe established "Chadorim" (study groups) in Liozna, attracting young scholars from the entire region who devoted themselves to Torah study under the guidance and structure laid out by the Alter Rebbe. It was during this period that the Alter Rebbe's leadership began to take on the unique character of Chabad, which became increasingly defined over time. Before long, news spread that a new branch of Chassidus had emerged—Chabad Chassidus.

The Move to Liozna

During this period, the Alter Rebbe received offers to serve as the Rabbi of Vitebsk and Liozna. He chose Liozna after its residents agreed to his condition that they provide for the financial needs of himself, his three brothers and their families, the young scholars and students of the "Chadorim," as well as visiting Chassidim from Russia and Lithuania. In Elul 5536 (1776), the Alter Rebbe set out for Liozna, arriving there in Shevat 5538 (1778).

By this time, the Alter Rebbe was already leading thousands of Chassidim but was not yet officially recognized as a "Rebbe." The desire of his Chassidim for a Rebbe who could be physically present with them grew stronger. They expressed their longing to Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, who, in a letter, granted them permission to seek guidance and strength from "the Tzaddikim and Chassidim, the Rabbis and upright ones… whose words are like fiery coals of divine counsel and wisdom," referring to luminaries such as Reb Yisroel of Polotsk, Reb Yissachar Ber of Liadi, and "the honored Rabbi Schneur Zalman (the Alter Rebbe)… may their names be eternal."

This arrangement continued for a time, with Reb Mendel serving as the uncontested leader, while these three Tzaddikim acted as his deputies in guiding the Chassidim in spiritual matters. Over time, however, Reb Mendel observed that some of the Chassidim had begun seeking Torah guidance from other Tzaddikim across Eastern Europe. Faced with this growing phenomenon, he decided to appoint the Alter Rebbe as the leader of the Chassidim in Russia.

The Journey to the Vilna Gaon

After the passing of the Maggid of Mezritch, the opposition to Chassidus intensified. In 5534 (1774), Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and the Alter Rebbe traveled to Vilna to meet with the Vilna Gaon in an attempt to prove that the Chassidim had not deviated from the Torah’s path and to put an end to the opposition. However, the Gaon refused to meet them and left Vilna, only returning after the Alter Rebbe and Reb Menachem Mendel had departed.

The Alter Rebbe later wrote:

"From the very outset, we informed [the Vilna Gaon] and went to his house to debate with him and to remove his complaints against us. I was there with the holy Rav Menachem Mendel of Horodok, zt"l. Twice, he shut the door in our faces… When we persisted in urging him, he left the city and remained away until our departure…"

Recognizing that they could not pacify the opposition, Reb Menachem Mendel decided to journey to Eretz Yisrael, accompanied by several of the Maggid’s disciples.

Disputes with the Opponents of Chassidic Teachings - Extended Article - The Great Debate in Minsk (5543/1783)

During the five years in which the Alter Rebbe served as the general organizer of the Chassidic movement, from the time of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk's ascent to the Holy Land until the year 5543 (1783), he conducted several debates against the leading Misnagdim (opponents of Chassidism). For this purpose, he traveled specifically to the strongholds of those who opposed Chassidic teachings and demonstrated to them the prowess of Chassidim in the study of the revealed Torah, as well as the righteousness of their path and approach.

The most well-known among these debates are the "Shklov Debate" and "The Great Debate in Minsk" which took place in 5543 (1783). Following these debates, hundreds of young married scholars drew closer to Chassidic teachings, and the genuine opposition from the Torah giants among the Misnagdim diminished, as they came to recognize that the leader of the Chassidic movement was an immense genius and scholar, and that all his ways were founded on faith in Hashem without any deviation from the paths of traditional Judaism. What remained was only the partisan opposition from the extremists among the Misnagdim, who were unwilling to accept that the Alter Rebbe had defeated them decisively in these debates.

Reb Menachem Mendel Departs for Eretz Yisrael

In the year 5537 (1777), Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and approximately three hundred Chassidic families embarked on the journey to Eretz Yisrael. Before leaving, Reb Menachem Mendel appointed the Alter Rebbe as the leader of the Chassidim in Russia and Lithuania. He gave him the responsibility of spreading the teachings of Chassidus and guiding the Chassidim in their service of Hashem.

Following his arrival in Eretz Yisrael, Reb Menachem Mendel remained in close contact with the Alter Rebbe and his Chassidim. He encouraged them to rely on the Alter Rebbe for all spiritual guidance and leadership, referring to him as “the great and awesome one, the light of Israel.”

It was around this time that the Alter Rebbe formally established the Chabad Chassidic path, focusing on the principles of Chochmah (wisdom), Binah (understanding), and Daas (knowledge) as the foundation for serving Hashem.

With the Haskalah Movement

The maskilim (followers of the Jewish Enlightenment) during that period managed to penetrate Vilna, which was the largest Torah center at that time and also the center of opposition to Chassidus. The Torah scholars in Vilna, led by the Gra (Vilna Gaon), viewed favorably the pursuit of secular studies alongside Torah learning, particularly the study of Hebrew grammar. The maskilim exploited this opening to penetrate the central layers of Torah scholars and transfer their children to education according to their approach, which led many young people to foreign studies in Berlin and from there to the Haskalah. Simon Lillienthal ("Simon the Heretic") took an active part in this, disguising himself as a God-fearing teacher and transferring many children to education in the way of the Haskalah. Simon tried to find a way to influence the Chassidic community as well, and for this purpose made a long journey to White Russia and even met with the Alter Rebbe, but despaired when he saw the greatness of the Chassidim's faith and their connection to the Rebbe.

The Structure of Chabad Leadership

Under the Alter Rebbe’s leadership, Chabad Chassidus became known for its unique structure and emphasis on intellectual and emotional refinement. The Alter Rebbe established a system of mashpi’im (spiritual mentors) who were responsible for guiding individuals in their personal service of Hashem. These mashpi’im were tasked with teaching Chassidus and ensuring that each Chossid internalized its teachings in a way that transformed their character and elevated their service.

Additionally, the Alter Rebbe encouraged his Chassidim to engage in avodas ha’tfila (the service of prayer), emphasizing the importance of davening with deep concentration and heartfelt devotion. He taught that through prayer, a person could connect with Hashem in a profound and personal way, allowing the teachings of Chassidus to penetrate their heart and soul.

Opposition to Chabad Chassidus

As the influence of Chabad Chassidus grew, so did the opposition to it. The Misnagdim (opponents of Chassidus) accused the Chassidim of introducing new practices and deviating from traditional Judaism. They claimed that the Chassidim placed too much emphasis on prayer and emotional fervor, at the expense of Torah study and halachic observance.

In response, the Alter Rebbe composed letters and writings defending the teachings of Chassidus and explaining its foundations in Torah. He emphasized that Chassidus was not a new movement, but rather a deepening of the existing traditions of Jewish life and a means of bringing every Jew closer to Hashem.

The Tanya – The Foundation of Chabad Chassidus

One of the Alter Rebbe’s most significant contributions to Chabad Chassidus was the publication of the Tanya, also known as Likkutei Amarim. This foundational text, first printed in 5557 (1796), serves as a guide for every Jew in their service of Hashem. The Tanya addresses the struggles of the soul, offering practical advice for overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual growth.

The Tanya is structured in a way that speaks to the intellect and the heart, combining deep philosophical concepts with practical guidance. It explains the nature of the soul, the purpose of creation, and the path to achieving closeness to Hashem through Torah, mitzvos, and prayer.

The publication of the Tanya marked a turning point in the development of Chabad Chassidus, solidifying its unique identity and providing a framework for its teachings.

The Arrest and Liberation of the Alter Rebbe

In 5559 (1798), the Alter Rebbe was arrested by the Russian authorities on charges of inciting rebellion against the government. The accusations were based on his efforts to strengthen Jewish communities and his support for the Jewish settlers in Eretz Yisrael, which some claimed was a political threat to the Russian Empire.

During his imprisonment, the Alter Rebbe wrote extensively, composing many of the teachings that would later be included in his works. After 53 days in prison, he was released on the 19th of Kislev, a day that has since been celebrated as the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.”

The liberation of the Alter Rebbe was seen as a divine endorsement of Chassidus, and it strengthened the resolve of the Chassidim to continue spreading its teachings.

Liadi

After the Alter Rebbe’s second imprisonment, the authorities requested that he reside in Petersburg. This decision caused great distress among the chassidim who lived far from Petersburg, as they feared losing proximity to their Rebbe. During that period, Prince Lubomirski, a prominent nobleman in Petersburg, expressed interest in meeting the Alter Rebbe. One of the chassidim described the greatness of the Alter Rebbe to the prince, including the deep admiration felt by thousands of his followers and the sorrow caused by the government’s decision to relocate the Alter Rebbe to Petersburg. When Prince Lubomirski met the Alter Rebbe, he offered to advocate with the authorities to allow the Rebbe to settle in one of the towns under his jurisdiction. The Alter Rebbe agreed to settle in the town of Liadi, and the prince ordered the construction of homes for the Alter Rebbe and his chassidim.

On Friday, Erev Shabbos Nachamu, 14 Menachem Av 5561 (1801), the Alter Rebbe, accompanied by 5,000 chassidim, arrived in Liadi. From then on, both the Alter Rebbe and his chassidim experienced relief from the opposition of the misnagdim, and they lived in peace and contentment. During this time, the Alter Rebbe’s communal activities expanded throughout White Russia and Ukraine, resulting in tens of thousands of new chassidim joining the movement.

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:

"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."

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.

The Alter Rebbe’s Passing

His Final Days

On Friday, 8 Teves 5573 (1813), the Alter Rebbe reached the village of Piena and received news of the destruction wrought in White Russia. On Thursday, 21 Teves, the Alter Rebbe davened Maariv for the last time. His sons later recounted that this tefillah was marked by extraordinary clarity and dveikus.

Before his passing, the Alter Rebbe stated:

"Whoever grasps my ‘handle’ (i.e., follows my teachings and ways), I will do good for them in this world and the next."

He also said: "The transition from this world to the Next World is a simple matter and depends only on the one who transfers. There are those who are in their final moments for a long time, apparently their transferor is among the tormentors. There are those whose final moments last only a few moments, apparently their transferor is among the good messengers. The obligation of departing from the body depends on the time of life in the body, and the verse explains 'better is my death than my life,' that the good and life after death depends on bodily life according to how one lived while the soul was in the body, and from this comes my excitement."

Moments before his passing, the Alter Rebbe wrote on a note the teaching about the lowly soul: "The truly lowly soul in its root - its service is physical Torah."

The Alter Rebbe instructed to close the room where he lay and only allow in those who wanted to pray, and if two Jews who were lax in their Judaism happened to come there - the homeowner should try to frighten them and bring them to teshuva. As reward for this, the Rebbe promised long life to the homeowner (the non-Jew).

The Passing

On Motzei Shabbos Parshas Shemos, 24 Teves 5573, immediately after Maariv and Havdala over coffee, at 10:22 PM - he passed away.

Burial in Haditch

Since there was no Jewish cemetery in Piena, the Alter Rebbe’s body was transported by sled to the town of Haditch, about 300 kilometers away. Along the way, the entourage experienced a frightening incident when a non-kosher animal attempted to enter under the sled. After driving it away, the journey continued without further disturbance.

The Alter Rebbe was laid to rest in the Jewish cemetery in Haditch, where an ohel was later built over his gravesite. Following the burial, the Tzemach Tzedek moved to Haditch to reside near the holy resting place of his grandfather.

His Resting Place - Haditch

Since there was no Jewish cemetery in the village of Piena, they transported the Alter Rebbe the next day by snow sled to the town of Haditch, about 300 kilometers away, where there was a Jewish cemetery.

When they were transporting the Alter Rebbe for burial in Haditch, the wagon stopped in the middle of the road and it appeared that the Alter Rebbe raised himself and was lying in the air. The escorts were very frightened and then they noticed that an impure animal had gone under the wagon. They chased it away and the Alter Rebbe returned to lying as before.

The Alter Rebbe was brought to rest in the Jewish cemetery in Haditch and later an ohel (structure) was built over the gravesite.

After the burial, the Tzemach Tzedek moved to live in Haditch, near the holy resting place.

His Family

• His daughter, Rebbetzin Freida - married Rabbi Eliyahu Klutzker
• His daughter, Rebbetzin Devorah Leah - married Rabbi Shalom Shachna Altshuler
• His daughter, Rebbetzin Rachel - married Rabbi Avraham Sheines
• His son, Rabbi DovBer, the Mitteler Rebbe - married Rebbetzin Sheina Schneuri
• His son, Rabbi Chaim Avraham
• His son, Rabbi Moshe - married Mrs. Shifra Schneuri of the Rivlin family

His Lineage

The Alter Rebbe's lineage reaches back to the Maharal of Prague, who himself traced back to Rav Hai Gaon son of Rav Sherira Gaon son of Rav Chanina Gaon, who were from the family of the heads of the exile and the nesi'im until the kings of Judah and King David.

His Written Works

• Igros Kodesh (Alter Rebbe)
• Amirah L'Nochri
• Biurei HaZohar (Alter Rebbe)
• Hilchos Talmud Torah
• Likkutei Torah
• Meah Shearim
• Sefer HaMaamarim (Alter Rebbe)
• Siddur Admur HaZaken
• Sefer HaTanya
• Piskei HaSiddur
• Kuntres HaRav
• Shaalos U'Teshuvos Admur HaZaken
• Shaalos U'Teshuvos HaRav
• Shulchan Aruch Admur HaZaken
• Torah Ohr
• Boneh Yerushalayim
• Maamarei Admur HaZaken - HaKetzarim
• Luach Birchos HaNehenin

His Innovations and Enactments

The Alter Rebbe was a pioneer not only in Chassidus but also in halacha and custom. Besides the Shulchan Aruch he composed, the Alter Rebbe instituted several enactments and innovations:

• Sefer HaTanya - the way of serving Hashem
• Prayer text - a siddur suitable for every soul
• Polished knives - polishing shechita knives on both sides of the blade
• STaM script - a new form of letters combining Kabbalah and halacha
• Division of Shas - completion of the Talmud yearly by each Chabad community
• Mikvah enactment - halachic solution facilitating immersion in a spring
• Arev Kablan - selling chametz to a non-Jew before Pesach through a guarantor
• Tefillin knot - special method in tying head tefillin and arm tefillin

The Portrait of the Alter Rebbe

Extended Article - Portrait of the Alter Rebbe

In 1799, when the Alter Rebbe was imprisoned, he was painted by the nobles of Petersburg, showing him at his age during that period. The existence of this portrait became known through a chassid who heard, in 1862, the Tzemach Tzedek telling this to his son, the Rebbe Maharash.

It is not known with certainty whether the original portrait was drawn in black lead, as it is known from the prints, or in color. The earliest surviving item from the original portrait is a copy from the first printing of the portrait, in large format. It was made by R' Shmarya Schneerson and is currently preserved in the Lubavitch Library.

Ten Niggunim (Melodies)

The musical notes of the "Four Gates" from the Ten Niggunim

Expanded entry - Ten Niggunim

There is a tradition among Chabad chassidim that the Alter Rebbe composed ten specific niggunim that have a special segula - bringing those who sing them to spiritual awakening (hisorerus teshuva) and connection of the soul to Elokus. It is customary not to sing these niggunim routinely, but rather at designated times or at appropriate moments. We know the identity of five of these ten niggunim, while the rest are attributed to him but there is uncertainty whether he actually composed them himself.

1. Avinu Malkeinu
2. Keli Atah
3. Arba Bavos
4. Bnei Heichala
5. K'Ayal Taarog
6. Lecha Dodi
7. Niggun Deveikus Rosh Hashanah
8. Niggun Deveikus Shabbos
9. Tzeina Ureina
10. Kol Dodi

See Also

• Tanya
• Union of Descendants of the Alter Rebbe
• Haditch

Further Reading

• Rabbi Shalom DovBer Levin, "History of Chabad in Czarist Russia", Kehot Publication Society, New York, 2010
• Sterna Sarah Schneerson, The Life Scroll of the Rav of Liadi - Documentation of the arrest and redemption of the Alter Rebbe as written by the wife of the Rebbe Rashab in her youth and was lost over the years. In 1940 it was found by her step-nephew, Rabbi Shimshon Dov Yerushalimski who gave it to the Frierdiker Rebbe.
• Rabbi Chaim Meir Heilman, Beis Rebbi
• Mordechai Teitelbaum, The Rav of Liadi and the Chabad Movement, 1910
• Rabbi Yehoshua Mondshine, Journey to Berditchev
• Rabbi Shneur Zalman Berger, History of Chabad in Petersburg, Chapter 4 - The Alter Rebbe in Prison
• Arrest and Redemption of Yud Tes Kislev, Special supplement in Beis Moshiach magazine 207
• Overview - Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe (Gedolei Yisroel and the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch, How the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch was received in the Lithuanian community), Beis Moshiach magazine 1343
• Rabbi Chanoch Glitzenstein, Sefer HaToldos, Alter Rebbe
• Shneur Zalman Berger, HaTamim (Beis Moshiach) (supplement in Beis Moshiach magazine). Series about his great students
• Rabbi Dov Tverski, Hilchasa K'Rav - Commentary on the laws of Shabbos according to the Alter Rebbe, Kfar Chabad
• R' Avraham Levi, Ksav Chabad pamphlet - Overview and analysis of the Alter Rebbe's handwriting. Migdal HaEmek, Teves 2009
• HaRishon, Published by Toras Chabad L'Bnei HaYeshivos, 2013
• Menachem Ziegelboim, Istalek Yekara - The story of the passing of Chabad Rebbes page 54, 2013
• Rabbi Nachum Greenwald, The Rav, 2015
• Matanya Engelman, A New Path of a 'New Soul', Kfar Chabad magazine issue 1992 page 20

External Links

• Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin, The Rav of the "Tanya" - The Spiritual and Literary Work of the Founder of Chabad Chassidus, and the Milestones of His Life
• Ruth Zucker - Graphological Analysis of the Handwriting of the Alter Rebbe
• Historical Document about the Involvement of the Alter Rebbe in Napoleon's War - 'Segulah' Bulletin - Website
• Menachem Ziegelboim, 200 Years Since the Exodus from Liadi Under Fire, The King in the Field and the Rebbe Wandering on the Roads, Beis Moshiach Weekly, Elul 5772 - (The link is not active, 28 Iyar 5783)
• Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, Monthly "Sichos L'Noar" (Conversations for Youth)
• The Alter Rebbe's Resting Place on Google Maps: Pictures, Location
• Shaul Silam, Chronicles of the Alter Rebbe Printed as a Gift for His Daughter's Wedding, 3 Adar 5774
• Menachem Bronpman, Special Interview with the Alter Rebbe - "Translation" to Hebrew for a Taste of His Responses to His Interrogators, on the Alei Sefer Website
• 6 Videos about the Alter Rebbe Multimedia Clips about the Alter Rebbe on the Chabad House Website
• 'He Merited the Revelation of Eliyahu': A Rare Letter from the Maggid of Mezritch about the Alter Rebbe, on the 'Lachluches Geulati' (Redemptive Moisture) Website