Editing The Rebbe Maharash (section)

== Birth and Early Years ==
{{Chabad}}
On Monday, the 2nd of Iyar 5594 (May 11, 1834), corresponding to the Sefirah of "Tiferes ShebeTiferes" and marking 100 years since the revelation of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Shmuel (the Maharash) was born in the town of Lubavitch, Russia, as the seventh son of the [[The tzemach tzedek|Tzemach Tzedek]] and his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka.

The birth took place in the Tzemach Tzedek's new house, which had not yet been occupied, built after the great fire of 5592 by one of the nearby governors who constructed it without charge out of respect for the Rebbe. While the Rebbe had planned to inaugurate the house before Shavuos, the Rebbetzin wished to give birth specifically in the new house. For the birth, the Rebbetzin used a new bed that was intended for sifting flour for matzos. Throughout the birth, her husband, the Tzemach Tzedek, stood in the room with his face to the wall, and instructed his sons R' Boruch Shalom, R' Maharil of Kopust, and R' HaRashaz of Lyadi to sit in one of the rooms and recite specific chapters of Tehillim. He gave special instructions to the midwife regarding the birth, to immerse in the mikvah before receiving the baby, and to dress him in a special white cloth that he provided.

==== The Bris ====
On the day of the bris, the Tzemach Tzedek instructed to start Shacharis prayers early. By the tenth hour, all family members had arrived, led by the uncle R' Chaim Avraham, son of the Alter Rebbe. When it was nearly two o'clock and the Tzemach Tzedek was still secluded in his room, the gathered began to worry. R' Chaim Avraham sighed and said, "He is busy with more important guests than me." After half an hour, the Rebbe emerged from his room holding a red handkerchief, with a radiant face and tearful eyes, saying "The bris will be today," and after a few moments returned to his holy chamber.

Meanwhile, the Chassidim waited anxiously. R' Chaim Avraham went to the window, rested his head on his hands, and became absorbed in thought. The other sons of the Tzemach Tzedek used the time to study Chassidus together. The Rebbetzin sent one of the Chassidim to ask her husband why they weren't proceeding with the bris, but R' Chaim Avraham stopped him. After the third hour, the Rebbe emerged again with a joyful face and repeated that the bris would be that day, telling the guests to refresh themselves. At four o'clock, he came out for the third time and said not to pray Mincha as the bris would take place very soon.

During the festive meal following the bris, his brother the Maharil asked after whom he was named, since such a name was uncommon in the Tzemach Tzedek's family. He whispered to himself, "Perhaps after Shmuel HaNavi (the Prophet Samuel)?" The Tzemach Tzedek responded: "After a water carrier in Polotsk who was called Shmuel, for a chacham (wise person) is superior to a navi (prophet)."

==== Youth and Education ====
In his early years, he showed a love for craftsmanship and carving. A famous story tells that when he was about five years old, a chassid approached him saying, "If you tell me where Hashem is, I'll give you a pocket knife as a gift." The young Shmuel replied: "If you find a place where Hashem isn't, I'll give you a pocket knife as a gift." The chassid smiled and gave him the pocket knife.

At age seven, he began studying under the melamed Rabbi Pesach. He demonstrated exceptional knowledge of Torah and much of Tanach, studying Gemara with Rashi and selected Tosafos. While playing with his friends, he would review Tanach by heart. His father, the Tzemach Tzedek, would test him and his friends in cheder monthly, most of whom were family members, and after the test would give them silver coins as a prize. The young Maharash would combine these amounts with what he received every Friday - one ruble - and buy seforim.

By age ten, his father removed him from cheder due to his genius and breadth of knowledge, arranging a special melamed for him. At age twelve, he began memorizing mishnayos in addition to his analytical studies. His father studied Kesuvim with him three times a week, and his brother R' Boruch Shalom taught him the taamei hamikra for Neviim and Kesuvim as received from the Alter Rebbe.

By age thirteen, he knew all six orders of Mishnah and the Tanya by heart, letter by letter. Under his father's direction, he received Semichah from renowned rabbis including Rabbi Isaac of Homil, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Fradkin, Rabbi Hillel of Paritch, and Rabbi Y.A. Bahard of Vitebsk.

==== Craftsmanship and Professional Skills ====
The Rebbe Maharash was gifted in various crafts and professional skills. He was a highly accomplished sofer STaM (scribe of Torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzos), known for his exceptionally beautiful and clear handwriting. As a special gift, he wrote a personal Megillas Esther for each of his children. Additionally, he learned the laws and practice of shechita (ritual slaughter) and would occasionally perform it.

Due to health considerations, his doctors specifically instructed him to engage in manual craftsmanship. He undertook several notable projects, including constructing a magnificent menorah that stood as tall as a person with twelve branches. He also demonstrated his woodworking skills by crafting intricate tables from small pieces of wood, showing remarkable attention to detail.
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