The Rebbe

the Rebbe

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (in Yiddish: Schneersohn; known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe and in Chabad simply as the Rebbe) was born on 11 Nissan 5662 (1902). He is a spiritual leader whose influence encompassed the entire world and particularly the Jewish people. He is the seventh Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, and is identified as Melech HaMoshiach (King Messiah) who will redeem the people in the true and complete Redemption. Among his notable activities were the establishment of the Shlichus (emissary) enterprise and the Ten Mitzvah Campaigns he initiated, aiming to bring Judaism to every single Jew. His actions, words, and influence emphasized the anticipation of Moshiach and activities to hasten the Redemption.

On 3 Tammuz 5754, he was concealed from physical sight, though based on his own words, Chassidim believe in the eternity of his life in our generation. Among Chabad Chassidim there are various views and approaches to 3 Tammuz, but all believe it is part of the Redemption process and await the Rebbe's revelation as Melech HaMoshiach.

Life History

Birth and Early Years

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 Rebbe was born on Friday, 11 Nissan 5662 (April 18, 1902) in the Russian-Ukrainian town of Nikolayev, to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson. His maternal grandfather was Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky, the Rabbi of Nikolayev.

The Bris Milah was held on 18 Nissan, Chol HaMoed Pesach, and the festive meal took place in the home of his grandfather, Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky, with many Jews from Nikolayev participating. During the celebration, his grandfathers and father delivered Torah discourses, with his father connecting the Bris celebration to his own birthday which fell on that day. The Rebbe was named "Menachem Mendel" after his great-grandfather, the Tzemach Tzedek.

After his father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, was appointed Chief Rabbi of Dnepropetrovsk (formerly Yekaterinoslav) in 1909, the family moved there.

From a very young age, the Rebbe became known for his diligence and extraordinary memory. His time was mostly dedicated to a comprehensive study of all parts of the Torah—both revealed and hidden. His main guide in learning was his father. The Rebbe described his childhood years as the time when his worldview took shape, which he later applied throughout his life, especially as a Rebbe. In a rare letter to Mr. Yitzchak Ben Zvi, he described his thoughts as a child:

“From the time I started going to 'cheder' and even before that, the image of the future redemption began to form in my imagination—the redemption of the Jewish people from their final exile — a redemption that will explain the suffering of the exile, the decrees, and the destructions.”

— Letter from 1956 to Mr. Yitzchak Ben Zvi

At the age of 18, in 1920, he was appointed to serve as a rabbi in one of the synagogues in the city.

In 1923, the Rebbe met the Rebbe Rayatz (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) for the first time. Shortly thereafter, he joined him in his public activities, fulfilling special roles in various fields and standing by the Rebbe Rayatz in his famous battle to preserve the sacred practices of Judaism and mitzvot in Soviet Russia. At that time, the Rebbe Rayatz referred to him as his "Minister of Education." In Sivan 1927, the Rebbe Rayatz was arrested, and the Rebbe played a central role in efforts to save him. After his release, the Rebbe Rayatz stayed in Malchovka, and only a few followers were permitted to visit him, including the Rebbe, who was invited to see him and spent long hours conversing with him daily.

In Tishrei 1928, he visited his parents in Dnipro. After Sukkot, his mother accompanied him to Leningrad. From there, he left Russia with the Rebbe Rayatz, who was set to become his father-in-law, and with his entire family. The Rebbe settled in Riga with the Rebbe Rayatz’s family. However, due to financial difficulties, their planned wedding was delayed, and it was decided he would move to another city. In Tevet of that year, he moved to Berlin, Germany.

Marriage

On the 10th of Kislev, 1928, the Rebbe became engaged to Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the daughter of the Rebbe Rayatz. The wedding took place in Riga. On Shabbat Parshat Vayetze, the 11th of Kislev, the “Shabbat Kallah” took place, and the Rebbe was called to the Torah in the Rebbe Rayatz’s minyan.

Two weeks after the engagement, on the 14th of Kislev 1929, the wedding celebration was held at the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in Warsaw. Rabbis and Rebbes from all over Poland attended the event.

Due to Soviet authorities not permitting the Rebbe's parents to leave Russia and attend the wedding, they held a simultaneous celebration in Russia to mark their son's wedding. Despite their absence, many friends and supporters attended, and the joy was immense.

The Rebbe remarked on his wedding day:

"The day that connected me to you, and you to me, so that together we will labor and bring about the true and complete redemption." — Translation from remarks made on the 14th of Kislev 1954.

After the wedding, the Rebbe and his wife lived for a short time in Riga. His father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz, instructed him to lead gatherings on Shabbat and special days, as well as directing him to handle matters of Jewish law, Kabbalah, and Chassidus, and special duties concerning the guidance of the Chassidim and community.

Berlin

On the 10th of Shvat, 1929, the Rebbe left Latvia and moved to Berlin, where he established his residence with his wife, Chaya Mushka. Following his father-in-law's instructions, the Rebbe began academic studies at the University of Berlin.

During his time in Berlin, he made several trips to visit the Rebbe Rayatz in Riga. He also visited the Rebbe Rayatz’s court in Tishrei 1930, when the Rebbe Rayatz traveled to the United States, where the Rebbe met with Chassidim.

In Nisan 1933, due to the worsening situation and growing anti-Semitism in Germany, the Rebbe and his wife left Berlin and immigrated to Paris. This occurred a few months after Hitler came to power.

Paris

In Paris, the Rebbe dedicated himself to Torah study with great diligence, without drawing attention to himself.

Simultaneously, by his father-in-law’s instructions, he studied at the Sorbonne University.

Additionally, the Rebbe worked with great dedication in matters of communal responsibility, following the Rebbe Rayatz’s guidance, who was then in Poland. He also managed the transmission of funds and contributions sent from the United States to his father-in-law’s court in Poland.

He compiled Chassidic teachings at that time, including:

• ‘HaTamim’ pamphlets
• Talks of the Rebbe Rayatz
• Letters of the Rebbe Rayatz
• Indexes to the Tanya
• Indexes to Torah Ohr
• Indexes to Likkutei Torah
• Indexes to the Ma’amarei Admor Rashab
• Other Torah compilations.

During World War II

In the winter of 1939, Chabad in the United States, by the Rebbe Rayatz’s instructions, began lobbying with high-level officials to obtain entry visas for the Rebbe and his wife to the United States. The request was submitted at the American Consulate in Paris. However, due to the war, communication was difficult, and it was unclear whether the visa had been granted.

In 1940, just before Shavuot (after the Germans had already entered France and the Rebbe had not yet received the U.S. visa), the Rebbe and his wife left the city and traveled to southern France, an area not yet occupied by the Germans. On the evening of Shavuot, they arrived in the city of Vichy. In late summer 1940, they moved from Vichy to Nice, where they lived for eight to nine months until the summer of 1941. Meanwhile, efforts to secure visas continued. On the 20th of Nisan 1941, the visas were received in Marseille, and from there, the Rebbe and his wife made their way to Lisbon, Portugal.

On the 17th of Sivan, 1941, the Rebbe and his wife boarded the ship "S.S. Serpa Pinto" from Portugal to New York, where they arrived on the 28th of Sivan, 1941. A delegation of Chassidim sent by the Rebbe Rayatz welcomed them at the port.

In the United States

Upon his arrival in the United States, the Rebbe began assisting his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz, in all of his activities, particularly his efforts to establish America as a center of Torah and Chassidus. In 1942, the Rebbe Rayatz appointed him as the chairman of the central Chabad institutions:

• Machne Yisroel
• merkoz linyonei chinuch
• Kehot Publishing House.

In 1943, the Rebbe was also appointed as the chief editor of Kehot's publications.

During those years, the Rebbe also worked as a ship engineer in the U.S. Navy.

Activities Toward Accepting Leadership

Extended article - The Rebbe's Acceptance of Leadership

After 10 Shevat 5710 (1950), when news spread of the passing of the Previous Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn), the Chassidim began discussing the need to appoint his son-in-law, the Rebbe (then known as "The RaMaSh"), as his successor.

Extensive activity was undertaken by Chassidim worldwide to encourage the Rebbe to accept the leadership. The activity was led by prominent Chassidim across the globe:

In the United States:

• Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson - Gabbai of the Previous Rebbe
• Rabbi Israel Jacobson - Leader of Agudas Chassidei Chabad
• Rabbi Shneur Zalman Gurary
• Rabbi Shmuel Zalmanov
• Rabbi Shmuel Levitin - The Mashpia
• Rabbi Shlomo Aaron Kazarnovsky
• Rabbi DovBer Haskin
• Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi - Rabbi of Shanghai

In the Holy Land:

• Rabbi Eliezer Karasik - Chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in the Holy Land
• Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director of Agudas Chassidei Chabad
• Rabbi Shmerel Gurary
• Rabbi Avraham Paris
• Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin
• Rabbi Avraham Chein
• Rabbi Avraham Chaim Na'eh

In Europe:

• Rabbi Nissan Nemenov - Director and Mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy
• Rabbi Israel Noach Blinitzky
• Rabbi Avraham Sender Nemtzov
• Rabbi Saadia Liberow

These individuals enthusiastically supported the Rebbe's leadership and influenced Chabad Chassidim in the United States, Israel, and worldwide to accept his leadership. They also worked to ensure Chabad institutions would accept the Rebbe's leadership. However, some Chabad Chassidim, as well as Rebbetzin Nechama Dina (wife of the Previous Rebbe), supported the Previous Rebbe's elder son-in-law, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary (RaShaG), to lead the movement. After the Rebbe accepted leadership, RaShaG showed exceptional deference to the Rebbe.

In the months following the passing, many Chassidim from around the world wrote letters of connection and sent them to 770, but the Rebbe refused to accept the leadership. Over the following months, the pleas from the Chassidim increased while the Rebbe continued to refuse, though gradually he began taking on communal leadership responsibilities - writing general letters, giving instructions, receiving people for private audiences, and more. On the evening of 10 Shevat 5711, at a gathering marking the first anniversary of the Previous Rebbe's passing, the Rebbe delivered the discourse "Basi LeGani," thereby officially accepting leadership of Chabad Chassidism.

Leadership of Chabad Chassidism

His role as Rebbe

After the passing of the Previous Rebbe, he began energetically expanding the Torah and educational institutions established by the Previous Rebbe worldwide.

Even before formally accepting leadership, the Rebbe sent the first emissaries to Morocco - Rabbi Michael Lipsker and Rabbi Shlomo Matusof. Following the Rebbe's instructions, his emissaries to Morocco established the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch (Morocco) network, including yeshivas, boys' schools, and girls' schools in Morocco, thereby providing thousands of Jewish youth with authentic Jewish education and saving them from spiritual assimilation. Simultaneously, under the Rebbe's guidance, smaller yeshivas and study houses were established in Morocco to train teachers, rabbis, ritual slaughterers, scribes, and other religious functionaries.

In the early years of his leadership, the Rebbe sent emissaries throughout the United States, Brazil, and elsewhere.

The Rebbe published general letters in which he encouraged all jews to strengthen themselves. These general letters were published by the Rebbe's emissaries in newspapers and other media to spread the messages to the Jewish people at large, reaching a record number of Jews. Many turned to the Rebbe seeking his advice and holy blessings. Masses of Chassidim and Jews of all types began flocking to his gatherings, eagerly absorbing his holy talks, which were also transcribed.

At the gathering of 10 Shevat 5711, and especially in the discourse "Basi LeGani," the Rebbe emphasized his purpose in the world - to bring about the redemption and revelation of Moshiach speedily.

During the Purim gathering in 5711, held several weeks after accepting leadership, the Rebbe began speaking about himself and his leadership, stating "I am only a pipeline," "One must be connected to the Rebbe, I am only filling a position in one aspect." Among other things, he said: "After the passing of the Rebbe RaShaB, the Previous Rebbe once said that he doesn't say 'may his soul rest in Eden' about his father, because why say 'may his soul rest in Eden' when it's easier and better to say 'his soul is within me.' The same applies to the Rebbe – I don't say 'may his soul rest in Eden,' but rather 'his soul is within me'!"

Daily Schedule

Extended article - The Rebbe's Daily Schedule

For most of the day, the Rebbe's occupation revolved primarily around Torah study and responding to letters sent to him from around the world. Additionally, with increasing frequency over the years, the Rebbe would visit the resting place of his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe. Furthermore, for decades the Rebbe dedicated time three times a week to receive people for private audiences in his personal room, where he would answer people's questions and guide them in divine service. In later years, due to the heavy burden, the Rebbe discontinued private audiences and began receiving the public in general audiences in his study hall. On 11 Nissan 5746, the Rebbe began distributing dollars for charity every Sunday. Many rabbis and public figures came to the Rebbe during the dollar distribution and private audiences to receive his blessing and advice.

Every Shabbat, a gathering was held with the Rebbe, where he would deliver talks dealing with both the revealed and mystical aspects of Torah, as well as current affairs. Starting in 5725, the Rebbe began analyzing one of Rashi's commentaries on the weekly Torah portion at every gathering. From late 5730, the Rebbe began studying one of his father's commentaries in Likkutei Levi Yitzchak at every gathering, and from 5744, the Rebbe began analyzing one of the daily Rambam lessons at every gathering.

His Work and Influence

Activities in the Jewish World

Extended article - The Ten Mivtzoyim

After ascending to the Nesius (leadership), the Rebbe began leading campaigns to publicize Jewish mitzvos and Chassidic teachings under the banner of "Ufaratzta" (And you shall spread forth), taken from the possuk "Ufaratzta yama vakeidma v'tzafona v'negba" [westward, eastward, northward and southward]. Within this framework, the Rebbe called upon his Chassidim to influence wherever possible, to fulfill mitzvos and study Torah, among other things, by going out to public places and meriting the public with these mitzvos. The Rebbe also called for financial assistance to those who couldn't afford tashmishei mitzvah (ritual items).

Later, he initiated public activities that he termed 'Mivtzoyim' (campaigns). Some of the Mivtzoyim are connected to Yom Tov observances and are seasonal, for example lighting Chanukah menoros in homes, stores and city centers, Lag BaOmer parades, helping Yidden shake lulav on Sukkos, distributing handmade shmurah matzah before Pesach, blowing shofar on Rosh Hashanah, arranging for those who don't attend shul to hear the Aseres HaDibros (Ten Commandments) on Shavuos, fulfilling the four mitzvos of Purim, and more.

The Rebbe frequently emphasized the great importance of performing practical mitzvos, even just once, and even when the mitzvah is done without understanding its deeper meaning.

Another project the Rebbe initiated, called 'The Ten Mivtzoyim', was a call for every Yid to fulfill ten mitzvos that he saw as central, and to influence other Yidden to fulfill them, which include:

• Ahavas Yisroel (love of fellow Jews)
• Chinuch (Jewish education)
• Torah study
• Tefillin
• Mezuzah
• Kashrus
• Tzedakah
• Having holy seforim in the home
• Neiros Shabbos Kodesh and Yom Tov candle lighting
• Taharas HaMishpacha (family purity)

Following his call, Chabad Chassidim set up tefillin stands in city streets offering passersby the opportunity to perform this mitzvah. N'shei uBnos Chabad (Chabad women and girls) are active in distributing Shabbos candles and explanatory pamphlets about the mitzvah to women and girls. Additionally, Chabad Houses offer mezuzah installation and checking services, and kitchen kashering for all who are interested.

In this period following his acceptance of the Nesius, the Rebbe established in Eretz HaKodesh:

• Tzeirei Agudas Chabad organization
• The Oholei Yosef Yitzchak network
• N'shei Chabad organization

He instituted structural and organizational changes with new general and specific horaos (directives) in Agudas Chassidei Chabad, positioning it as an umbrella organization for all Chabad mosdos in Eretz HaKodesh. This was alongside assistance to Colel Chabad which provided support to Chassidim in gashmius matters.

In the United States, the Rebbe established:

• Tzeirei Agudas Chabad in New York
• N'shei Chabad organization

Simultaneously, he strengthened and developed the organizations he had managed until then:

• Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch
• Machne Israel
• Kehot Publication Society

In parallel, the Rebbe sent shluchim to various states across America, and to additional countries such as Australia, Brazil, and Morocco. In these locations, educational institutions and Chabad organizations were established, alongside activities to bring Yidden closer to Yiddishkeit and Chassidus, tailored to the conditions of each local Jewish community. In Morocco, the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch (Morocco) network of institutions was established.

Concurrently, the Rebbe worked extensively for Kfar Chabad both b'gashmius and b'ruchnius, from specific instructions in all areas of life, concern for expanding the mosdos, establishing enterprises and material welfare, to matters of tznius, chinuch, and activities for hafatzas hamaayanos.

The Shlichus Enterprise

Extended article - Chabad House

The Rebbe's father-in-law, the Frierdiker (Previous) Rebbe, worked to bring Yidden closer to Torah and mitzvos, and sent shluchim to various countries. However, during his time the scope of activity was relatively limited, and the Rebbe expanded it on an enormous scale, until today the number of shluchim reaches about two thousand spread throughout the world.

The first shluchim were sent to Morocco in the early years of the Rebbe's nesius, including: Rabbi Michel Lipsker, Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, and Rabbi Nissan Pinson. Simultaneously, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Chitrik was sent as a shliach to Brazil, and many shluchim were sent throughout the United States.

Under the Rebbe's leadership, the concept of shlichus became a central requirement from Chabad Chassidim in particular, and from every Jew in general, to leave their place and dedicate themselves to spreading Yiddishkeit and Chassidus in places that needed it. As part of this requirement, the Rebbe established the shlichus enterprise, appointing his Chassidim as shluchim in every location and establishing Chabad Houses worldwide that provide both gashmius (material) and ruchnius (spiritual) assistance to every Jew. Over the years, the shlichus enterprise expanded, and today it encompasses almost every city and settlement in the world where Jews are found, numbering over 6,000 shluchim, including 1,700 shluchim in Eretz Yisroel.

The Daily Rambam Study Initiative

Extended article - The Daily Rambam Study Takana

In 5744 (1984), the Rebbe initiated the daily Rambam study project, in which the Rambam's halachic works were divided into daily study portions. One of the takana's objectives was to encourage concise study of all areas of halacha in a clear and illuminating way, as they are formulated in the Rambam's seforim. There are three study tracks:

• Three chapters per day, completing the entire Yad HaChazaka in one year
• One chapter per day, completing the series once in three years
• Study of Sefer HaMitzvos, completed once a year

At one farbrengen in 5744, which was actually a continuation of the Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen that fell that year on Friday, the Rebbe mentioned and aroused that the time had come to arrange a division similar to the division of Shas in studying the Rambam's Mishneh Torah. The directive wasn't immediately implemented, but the talmidim hashluchim at the Chabad yeshiva in Casablanca, Morocco, where the Rambam had lived for several years, who learned this sicha, divided the entire Mishneh Torah among the Torah community in Morocco, to be learned between Yud Shevat (the day of accepting the nesius) and the Rebbe's birthday on Yud-Alef Nissan and the Rambam's birthday on Yud-Daled Nissan. The talmidim hashluchim themselves took "Hilchos Shluchin V'Shutfin" in connection with their role as the Rebbe's shluchim, and Reb Shlomo Matusof, the head shliach and yeshiva director, gave them a shiur in these halachos.

The Seven Noahide Laws

Extended article - The Seven Noahide Laws

Starting in the 1980s, the Rebbe called for action to instill the Sheva Mitzvos B'nei Noach (Seven Noahide Laws) to all of humanity, encouraging all people to observe them, based on the Rambam's ruling that there is an obligation on the Jewish people to ensure that the nations of the world fulfill the Seven Noahide Laws. In his view, the notable lack of engagement with this topic in previous generations stemmed from concern that such activity would be perceived as an attempt to interfere with the gentiles' religion, a concern that barely exists today, and therefore the Jewish obligation to transmit the Seven Mitzvos remains in full force.

The Rebbe saw influencing the nations of the world to observe the Seven Mitzvos as part of the preparation process for the Geulah (Redemption), when all of humanity will fulfill the mitzvos incumbent upon them, and the beginning of his function as Melech HaMoshiach in tikun olam (rectifying the world).

Following his initiative and his Chassidim's activities on the matter, the United States Congress declared the importance of the Seven Noahide Laws as the foundation of modern social morality.

Education in the American Congress

Extended article - Education Day USA

In the year 5738 (1978), the United States Congress decided to declare the 11th of Nissan, the Rebbe's birthday, as "Education and Sharing Day," during which efforts and resources would be increased to improve education in all educational institutions for all ages throughout the United States. In the text of the proposal submitted by Congress for ratification by then-President Jimmy Carter, the seven Noahide laws are mentioned as a model for the moral principles upon which human civilization rests. Since this legislation, the United States' "Education and Sharing Day" has been proclaimed each year by the sitting President on the day corresponding to the Hebrew date of 11 Nissan, the Rebbe's birthday. The Rebbe expressed his gratitude for the decision of Congress and explained in a farbrengen the significance of establishing this day as "Education Day":

The government declared a certain day (11 Nissan) as "Education Day" throughout the United States. Everything must have a source in Torah. And seemingly - where is the source for this matter, to connect an essential and important matter with a special day of the year? Especially the matter of education, which is an ongoing and constant matter at every moment.

The answer to this is: The obligation to accept the yoke of Heaven is constant at every moment, and nevertheless a special day of the year was established for this - Rosh Hashanah; we are obligated to mention the Exodus from Egypt every day, during the day and at night, and together with this a special day of the year was established, the holiday of Pesach, as the "time of our freedom"; the obligation to study Torah is at every free moment, and nevertheless they established a special day of the year, the holiday of Shavuot, as a day of renewed awakening regarding everything connected to receiving the Torah and studying it.

And here, in this matter we see how the world is getting closer to the coming of Moshiach. For in the future, the promise will be fulfilled "Then I will transform the peoples to a clear language... to serve Him with one consent," one of the aspects of this being that a mighty kingdom, a "superpower," which has influence throughout the entire world, has publicly declared for all to see the greatness of the importance and vitality of the matter of education.

— From the talk of 11 Nissan 5738 - notes of the listeners

Additionally, in New York State, numerous "Education Days" are proclaimed each year before the 11th of Nissan, corresponding to the number of years of the Rebbe's life. The declaration is delivered by the Governor of New York State, the two legislative houses, the Assembly and the Senate, in a special ceremony conducted by Rabbi Shmuel Butman.

A Moment of Silence

Extended article - Moment of Silence

In 5743 (1983), the Rebbe called for implementing a 'Moment of Silence' in schools worldwide at the beginning of the day, during which students would contemplate for 60 seconds about the Creator of the world, in light of the fact that without recognition of the Creator, there is no guarantee for preserving the fundamental laws that protect human society.

His call met with opposition in the United States, where it was claimed that it contradicted the principle of separation of church and state enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The Rebbe explained that the principle of separation of church and state was established to allow religious freedom, and this principle requires allowing parents to educate their children about belief in Hashem even in public schools. The Rebbe further emphasized that the school should not interfere with the content of the child's contemplation, and therefore his proposal does not contradict the separation of church and state.

Following the Rebbe's call, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation to implement the 'Moment of Silence' in schools across the United States.

Activities by Year

• 5710 (1950): Establishment of the emissary project in Morocco. Sent first emissaries to Morocco: Rabbi Michael Lipsker and Rabbi Shlomo Matusof.
• 5711 (1951): The Rebbe accepts leadership. Sends Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Chitrik to Brazil.
• 5712: Established "Tzeirei Agudas Chabad" and "N'shei U'Bnos Chabad"
• 5714: First launched the Arbah Minim campaign and Matzah campaign
• 5718: During the 12 Tammuz gathering, the Rebbe called for action in the manner of "Ufaratzta" (spreading forth)
• 5724: Began activities for Russian Jewry
• 5729: Founded Nachalat Har Chabad neighborhood in Kiryat Malachi for immigrants
• 5727: On Lag BaOmer, shortly before the Six-Day War, established the Tefillin campaign
• 5739: Strongly opposed the Camp David Accords regarding giving up the Sinai Peninsula
• 5730: Launched campaign regarding the "Who is a Jew" law
• 5740: Established worldwide Lag BaOmer parades
• 5741: Established Tzivos Hashem organization
• 5751: Delivered talk demanding Chassidim "do all you can" to bring Moshiach
• 5753: Began encouraging the declaration "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed"

His Torah and and Teachings

His Seforim

Extended articles - The Rebbe's Seforim, The Rebbe's Learning Method

Hundreds of seforim document the Rebbe's teachings, some based on the divrei Torah he spoke for hours during his public appearances on Shabbos, Yomim Tovim, and special occasions, and others are collections from his letters on various topics. Most of the Rebbe's words were documented and written by the 'chozrim' - a group of Chassidim with exceptional memory, who would transcribe the Rebbe's words. These sichos were printed in the Sichos Kodesh series and later translated to Hebrew in the Divrei Moshiach and Toras Menachem - Hisvaaduyos series.

Many sichos were edited and reviewed by the Rebbe and printed in Likkutei Sichos (comprising about 40 volumes) and in Sefer HaSichos (comprising about 12 volumes). These sichos contain the Rebbe's Torah chiddushim in various areas - in Chassidus, Kabbalah, Gemara, and even in the simple meaning of Rashi's commentary on the Torah, as they are explained through pshat, drush, remez, and sod, and as was the Rebbe's custom to connect things to the time they were said. Many of the sichos also dealt with instructions for Chassidim and explained his perspectives on world events.

The Rebbe's maamarim (Chassidic discourses) were printed in Sefer HaMaamarim arranged by parsha, and some were edited by the Rebbe and printed in Sefer HaMaamarim - Melukat. Some of his letters containing instructions, advice, and brachos were printed in the Igros Kodesh series.

Torah and Science

The Rebbe supported the view that science does not contradict religion, arguing that science's role is merely to hypothesize, and therefore should not be considered against the certainties of Torah. The Rebbe even expressed displeasure with observant scientists who tried to hide Torah views in the face of "scientific hypotheses."

In a private audience with one professor, the Rebbe used as an example the discussion regarding the position of the sun relative to Earth, noting that while 150 years ago most scientists were certain their revolutionary view was "scientific fact," Einstein's Theory of Relativity proved otherwise, and in such matters we have no way to know what truly revolves around what.

The Rebbe also believed that since "everything that God created in His world, He created only for His glory," all scientific discoveries that have been innovated and revealed in recent years are intended to add to God's glory through their utilization for Torah and holiness. Over the years, the Rebbe was careful to harness technology for holiness, encouraged Tanya classes on radio, and even broadcast his gatherings live several times.

Hafatzat HaMayanot (Spreading the Wellsprings)

Extended entry – Spreading the Wellsprings Outward

The Rebbe transformed the concept of Hafatzat HaMayanot into the work of the seventh generation, and even expressed several times that this is the most general matter in our generation, and the special mitzvah in which the people of our generation need to be 'especially careful'. For this purpose, the Rebbe established the Shluchim (emissaries) project and Chabad Houses, which brought Chassidic teachings to every place.

The Rebbe expressed that spreading the wellsprings takes precedence over spreading Judaism, since it is in the category of "a mitzvah that cannot be performed by others," and particularly because generally, spreading the wellsprings naturally leads to changes in the world of those who study it, also in matters of observing Torah and mitzvot.

In recent years, the Rebbe announced that the work of spreading the wellsprings has been completed, and there is no longer anything delaying the coming of the Redemption, and we only need to prepare the people of the generation and the world to receive Moshiach.

Study of Secular Knowledge

Extended entry – Secular Knowledge

The Rebbe studied foreign languages in his childhood during times when he stayed in places where Torah study was forbidden. In his youth, he studied additional general subjects for matriculation exams, during times that did not detract at all from his extensive holy studies. After his marriage, he studied academic subjects under the instruction of his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz. The Rebbe focused mainly on studying natural sciences, and it is known that he received degrees in engineering and physics. The Rebbe used the knowledge he acquired at university to prove his halachic opinion regarding halachic-technological questions.

However, many times the Rebbe firmly expressed his view opposing study in college, for several reasons: a. The atmosphere in these studies is permeated with denial of G-d and His providence. b. Academic studies incorporate subjects that are in the category of idol worship. c. The atmosphere on campuses is one of complete immodesty and contrary to tzniut.

In a letter to a young man who served as a shliach and wanted to study in college, the Rebbe elaborated on the severity of the matter, particularly as the Rebbe's emissary, that when he goes to study in college, he takes the Rebbe there with him.

Relationship to the State and Land of Israel

Extended entries – State of Israel • Land Integrity • Requests for the Rebbe to come to Israel and the Responses

The Rebbe, like previous Chabad Rebbes (the Rebbe Rashab and the Rebbe Rayatz), opposed the Zionist idea, yet they viewed the State of Israel as a "miracle of salvation", though he recognized it "de facto" (in practice) and not "de jure" (in principle).

The Rebbe also showed active involvement in the life of the state, and met with state leaders, IDF officers, and heads of the Israeli security system. He firmly opposed giving territories to Arabs, and presented the opinion of military experts that giving away territories could lead to danger to life. The Rebbe based his opposition on the Shulchan Aruch and repeated the halacha that non-Jews who approached Jewish towns near the border, even if they only want to come for the purpose of gathering straw and hay, we desecrate Shabbat for them, lest they capture the city and from there the land would be easy to conquer.

Nevertheless, the Rebbe never went to Israel. When asked about this, he gave several answers, including that he wanted to be close to the resting place of his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz. In a public talk in 5719 (1959), the Rebbe explained this by saying: "There are those who ask why I myself do not travel to settle there. Well, this is a matter that does not depend on me, and meanwhile I cannot do this, but this has no relevance to everyone else, except for me. I don't know if they imagine what is holding me back, and if it matters whether they know or not, but in any case, that is not what we are discussing now."

To those who suggested that he fly and even said they were willing to pay for the ticket, he said he could not.

The Rebbe as Moshiach

The Rebbe is identified as the Moshiach who will redeem the Jewish people. Recognition of the Rebbe as Moshiach was publicized by Chabad rabbis worldwide and joined by senior rabbis from other groups. The rabbinic publications are through halachic rulings based on halachic precedent and the Rebbe's own references to the subject, where he hinted to his Chassidim that he is the Moshiach and encouraged them to publicize this in various ways.

In 5751, the Rebbe announced the beginning of Moshiach's revelation, and subsequently announced that the leader of our generation received the mission from God to reveal himself as Moshiach. That year, belief in the Rebbe as Moshiach received public expression on several occasions, and the Rebbe approved its publication when he encouraged the Chassidim's singing: "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed."

His Niggunim

In the early years of his leadership, the Rebbe taught melodies, some of which were known and forgotten, and some he composed himself. Usually, the time for teaching melodies was during the Simchat Torah gathering held before dawn, after the Hakafot.

Among the notable melodies:

• Darkecha Elokeinu (5716)
• Asader L'Seudasa (5716)
• Tzama Lecha Nafshi (5718)
• Ata Bechartanu (5721)
• Anim Zemiros (5722)
• Hu Elokeinu (5724)
• V'hi She'amda (5715)
• Ki Anu Amecha (two versions, 5717 and 5724)
• Stav Ya Pitu (5723)
• Rachamana D'anei (5720)
• Shamil (5719)
• Ha'aderes V'ha'emuna (5734)

Further Reading

Biography

• R' Mordechai Menashe Laufer, "Yemei Melech", Kfar Chabad 1991
• Prof. Yirmiyahu Branover, "Prophet From Your Midst, Biography of Reb Schneerson", Merkaz Hafotzah Mamash, 2007
• R' Elkana Shmotkin and R' Boruch Oberlander "Early Years", comprehensive biography of the Rebbe's first years - 1902-1929
• R' Eliezer Yehoshua Zelikovsky and R' Yosef Yitzchak Greenberg, "Days of Beginning", diary, documents, research and photos from the Rebbe's first year of leadership - Tishrei 1950 until Adar 1951, Kehot Publication, New York, 1992
• Dr. Yechiel Harari, "The Rebbe's Secret", Yediot Books, 2013
• Joseph Telushkin "Rebbe: The life and teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the most influential Rabbi in Modern History" (2014)

Miscellaneous

• Exit from Russia (book), Gate of Wanderings, accepting leadership in Pocking, Rebbe's Igros Kodesh to Pocking
• R' Chesed Halberstam discusses his years as meshares bakodesh for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka - Beis Moshiach Weekly issue 470
• R' Mordechai Menashe Laufer, "Mishivchei Rebbe, Things Said About Reb Schneerson", author's publication and Chabad House Ashdod, 2000
• R' Shneur Zalman Hertzel, "Marriages of the Nesi'im" - description of our Rebbeim's weddings
• Yosef Ashkenazi, "In Holy Quarters", memoirs of meshares bakodesh R' Sholom Ber Gansburg
• "Depth of Chassid-Rebbe", overview of Rebbe-Chassid connection. Beis Moshiach Weekly supplement, 11 Nissan 2012
• "Toraso Emes", overview of Rebbe's teachings, Simchas Torah 2013
• "Forty Years to Prophecy", forty years since Rebbe's prophecy about Yom Kippur War. Beis Moshiach Weekly supplement, published before Yom Kippur 2014
• "The Besorah" of the Rebbe regarding Moshiach and Geulah - unique supplement collecting general press coverage about Rebbe's Geulah message, Beis Moshiach Weekly supplement, 3 Tammuz 2014
• "In Response to Your Letter", overview of Rebbe's letters, answers and responses, Beis Moshiach Weekly supplement, 3 Tammuz 2017
• "Daled Amos" of the Rebbe - philosophical supplement about nature of traveling to and staying by Rebbe today, Beis Moshiach Weekly supplement, Tishrei 2018
• "We Are Commanded to Tell" Rebbe stories - 120 stories about the Rebbe, Beis Moshiach Weekly supplement, Pesach 2022
• "Jewish Art in the Seventh Generation" - Rebbe's connections with artists, mostly painters - Pesach supplement 2023, editor: Menachem Ziegelboim. Chronicles Rebbe's connections with popular artists: R' Hendel Lieberman, Jacques Lipchitz, Michel Schwartz, R' Baruch Nachshon, R' Yaakov Agam, R' Zalman Kleinman, R' Michael Muchnik, Raphael Nouril, R' Chaim Sherrf, Dr. Ben Tzion Bar Ami, R' Eliezer Tiffenbrun, R' Yossi Rosenstein
• Tami Holtzman, "Rebbe and Chassidim Through the Camera Lens", Beis Moshiach Weekly, issue 1315 pages 20-26 (2023)

External Links

General

• Rebbe Drive website
• The Lubavitcher Rebbe section - Chabad.org
• The Lubavitcher Rebbe section - Beit Chabad website
• Cover story about the Rebbe in the New York Times
• "The Rebbe Lives and Exists" - NRG website, Mati Tuchfeld

History

• Librarian Rabbi Shalom DovBer Levin reveals new details related to the Rebbe's early years - Chabad.org website
• Wedding Journal - Description of the Rebbe's conduct at his wedding - from the diary of R' Eliyahu Chaim Althaus - Chabad.org
• General overview of the Rebbe's wedding - Collection from the book "Nissuei HaNesiim" (link inactive, 23 Tishrei 5784)
• The Rebbe's references to his wedding day - Chapter from the book "Nissuei HaNesiim"
• The canceled plan: The Rebbe's wedding in the month of Elul from the book "Nissuei HaNesiim"
• Shneur Zalman Berger reviews in Beit Moshiach weekly the history of the Rebbe during the Holocaust and the years preceding it: "Days of Wrath and Fury" - Part One, The Rescue from Burning Europe - Part Two
• Poet Avraham Shlonsky and the Rebbe - by Rabbi Shneur Zalman Berger

The Rebbe and Leaders of the Generation

• Letters of appreciation to the Rebbe from important rabbis around the world, on the Torah of Chabad for Yeshiva Students website

Video

• Collection of video clips of the Rebbe - Chabad.org
• Moshiach Now - The Rebbe's prophecies
• "The Rebbe received the 'Letter of Hiskashrus' and burst into tears - Events of the day the Rebbe accepted leadership. Amazing testimony" - on the 12 Shevat 5775 website