Editing Moshe Shneuri (section)

== Imprisonment and Forced Conversion Attempt ==
Shortly after the Alter Rebbe's passing, Rabbi Moshe accompanied his brother, the Mitteler Rebbe, to an interview with the Russian Czar regarding Jewish settlement in colonies. Rabbi Moshe's open and direct speaking style caught the Czar's interest, who requested him to debate with the chief priest. The Mitteler Rebbe disliked Rabbi Moshe's style, and after the meeting, concerned, told him "You forgot 'Chachamim Hizaharu B'divreichem' (Sages, be careful with your words)."

Rabbi Moshe agreed to the debate with the priests, which lasted more than a year and ended with Rabbi Moshe's victory. The Christians, unable to bear the humiliation, falsely claimed they had won, and forcibly imprisoned Rabbi Moshe in Vyazma, later transferring him to a monastery. They forced him to sign a document requesting to convert.

Rebbetzin Sterna and his brother sent a letter to the Czar stating that he was forced to sign the conversion document, but the Czar refused their request, claiming he had signed of his own free will.

On 19 Kislev 1815, while traveling in a wagon with his captors, they fell asleep and he jumped from the wagon and escaped. However, fearing recapture, he wandered the roads with a concealed identity.