Editing The Rebbe Maharash (section)

== Public Activity Before Leadership ==
The Rebbe Maharash's involvement in communal affairs began early in his life. In 5608 (1848), he traveled to Vitebsk to participate in a general assembly of Jewish communal activists who had gathered from Shklov, Vilna, and Petersburg. During his two-week stay there, he also delivered Chassidic discourses to the public.

In 5615 (1855), his father, the Tzemach Tzedek, formally directed him to become regularly involved in public activism. R' Shmuel Brin was appointed as his secretary to assist with these responsibilities.

His advocacy work intensified in 5617 (1857) when he traveled to Kiev and Petersburg to work on behalf of Russian Jewry. That same year, he maintained regular contact with Rabbi Aharon, the Rabbi of Belinitz, who also frequently traveled to Petersburg on public matters as an emissary of the Tzemach Tzedek.

In 5618 (1858), he made another crucial journey to Kiev and Petersburg, this time working to cancel the expulsion decree that had been issued against Jews who were leasing fields in villages and settlements. This mission proved successful, and he succeeded in having the expulsion order cancelled.

The following year, 5619 (1859), he traveled to Germany to meet with Jewish communal leaders in Europe. Upon his return in 5620 (1860), he organized a significant assembly bringing together representatives from various sectors of Jewish society: Chabad Chassidim, Volhynian Chassidim, the Maskilim (enlightenment movement), and merchants. At this gathering, he presented a report of his meetings abroad and proposed a comprehensive work plan for the future.

Shortly after this assembly, Rabbi Aharon of Belinitz was denounced to the authorities and was arrested by armed police who took him to Mohilev. In response, the Tzemach Tzedek appointed R' Yitzchak Rubashov and R' Natan bar R' Shlomo Maneson to continue the work, though they had to operate secretly due to fear of further denunciations.

In 5625 (1865), the Rebbe Maharash traveled to Petersburg once again, where he successfully worked to abolish Senate laws that had placed restrictions on the Jews of Lithuania and Zamut.