Editing Russia (section)

==== Beilis Trial ====
In addition to his extensive public activism, the Rebbe Rashab was very active in the Beilis trial that took place in 5671 (1911). He appointed Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe's father, to assist Rabbi Mazeh who was responsible for the halachic aspects of the defense regarding Kabbalah and Chassidus. He also advised Mendel Beilis's attorney to end his speech at the trial with "Shema Yisrael." Indeed, at the conclusion of his speech, the attorney turned to Beilis and told him that even if he were convicted, he should walk proudly as a Jew reciting the Shema Yisrael. Ultimately, Beilis was acquitted of all charges.

During the Russo-Japanese War that broke out in 5664 (1904), the Rebbe Rashab attended to the religious needs of Jewish soldiers at the front, especially providing matzos for Pesach. That year, the shipment was very meager due to time constraints, causing the Rebbe Rashab great distress. The following year, he began working on this matter well in advance, and the shipment was substantial, reaching most of the soldiers.

During World War I, which broke out in 5674 (1914), he established a committee in Petrograd that took care of the needs of Jews who fled from the front, as well as the religious needs of enlisted Jews. He also successfully worked to exempt rabbis and shochtim from military service. During the war, when the Germans approached Lubavitch, the Rebbe's family and the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva left the town and moved to Rostov on the Don River.