Editing The Alter Rebbe (section)

==== 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.