The Alter Rebbe: Difference between revisions
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[[File:רבי שניאור זלמן.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:רבי שניאור זלמן.jpg|thumb|The Alter Rebbe]] | ||
Rabbi Schneur Zalman Boruchovitch of Liadi - known as '''the Alter Rebbe''', the Rav HaMaggid of Liozna, or the Baal HaTanya and Shulchan Aruch - (18 Elul 5505 - 24 Teves 5573), was one of the primary disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is the founder of Chabad Chassidus and the first Rebbe in the Chabad dynasty. He authored the Tanya, the foundational text of Chabad Chassidus, and wrote the "Shulchan Aruch HaRav." | Rabbi Schneur Zalman Boruchovitch of Liadi - known as '''the Alter Rebbe''', the Rav HaMaggid of Liozna<ref>He was also called '''Der Litvak''' (The Lithuanian). This nickname originated following the statement of the Maggid of Mezritch to his disciples about the Alter Rebbe: "The Lithuanian Gaon."</ref>, or the Baal HaTanya and Shulchan Aruch<ref>The title "Baal HaTanya" (Author of the Tanya) became associated with him following the widespread distribution of his major works, the Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch. The Rebbe frequently uses this title, and on one particular occasion even explained its significance: "Baal HaTanya" - an authority in the inner dimensions of Torah, and "Baal HaShulchan Aruch" - an authority in the revealed aspects of Torah. Additionally, there is another connection between these two books: the four sections of the "Tanya" correspond to the four sections of the Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch.</ref> - (18 Elul 5505 - 24 Teves 5573), was one of the primary disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch. He is the founder of Chabad Chassidus and the first Rebbe in the Chabad dynasty. He authored the Tanya, the foundational text of Chabad Chassidus, and wrote the "Shulchan Aruch HaRav." | ||
[[File:אדמור הזקן - תמונה קטנה.jpg|thumb|Portrait of the Alter Rebbe]] | [[File:אדמור הזקן - תמונה קטנה.jpg|thumb|Portrait of the Alter Rebbe]] | ||
== Early Life == | == Early Life == | ||
{{Chabad}} | {{Chabad}} | ||
The Alter Rebbe's parents, Rabbi Boruch Pozner (a descendant of the Maharal of Prague) and Rivka, were married on Friday, 17 Elul 5503. After approximately ten months without children, following the advice of Rabbi Yitzchak Shaul, a friend of Rabbi Boruch, the couple traveled to seek the blessing of the Baal Shem Tov. In the month of Menachem Av 5504, they arrived at the Baal Shem Tov's court, and he promised them that within a year they would have a son. They remained with the Baal Shem Tov for some time, and during the celebration of the Baal Shem Tov's birthday on 18 Elul, he turned to Rabbi Boruch and said, "At exactly this time next year, you will embrace a son." | The Alter Rebbe's parents, Rabbi Boruch Pozner (a descendant of the Maharal of Prague<ref>The Maharal of Prague had a single son - Rabbi Bezalel Charif who was born in the year 5316 (1556) and passed away in the year 5380 (1620). His son R' Shmuel was the head of the Prague community and passed away in the year 5415 (1655). His son R' Yehuda Leib was the head of the rabbinical court in the Kawili community. His son R' Moshe of Pozna (author of the book "Kol Yehuda" on the Shulchan Aruch). His son R' Shneur Zalman Pozner was the grandfather of the Alter Rebbe. His son R' Yisrael Baruch Pozner was the father of the Alter Rebbe. See also the collection Ohr Yisrael from the month of Kislev 5764 (2003) and the collection "Maasaf Yeshurun" 3 Elul 5757 (1997) page 679.</ref>) and Rivka, were married on Friday, 17 Elul 5503. After approximately ten months without children, following the advice of Rabbi Yitzchak Shaul, a friend of Rabbi Boruch, the couple traveled to seek the blessing of the Baal Shem Tov. In the month of Menachem Av 5504, they arrived at the Baal Shem Tov's court, and he promised them that within a year they would have a son. They remained with the Baal Shem Tov for some time, and during the celebration of the Baal Shem Tov's birthday on 18 Elul, he turned to Rabbi Boruch and said, "At exactly this time next year, you will embrace a son." | ||
[[File:ציון המגיד ממעזריטש.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:ציון המגיד ממעזריטש.jpg|thumb|The Tzion Of The Mezritcher Maggid]] | ||
Before leaving Mezhibuzh, they entered the Baal Shem Tov's room to receive his parting blessing. Rebbetzin Rivka told the Baal Shem Tov that when Hashem fulfills his holy blessing, she would dedicate the child to Torah and Divine service in the way of the Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov blessed them, and they returned home with joy. Exactly one year later, on Wednesday, 18 Elul 5505, Schneur Zalman was born in a small village near Liozna. | Before leaving Mezhibuzh, they entered the Baal Shem Tov's room to receive his parting blessing. Rebbetzin Rivka told the Baal Shem Tov that when Hashem fulfills his holy blessing, she would dedicate the child to Torah and Divine service in the way of the Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov blessed them, and they returned home with joy. Exactly one year later, on Wednesday, 18 Elul 5505, Schneur Zalman was born in a small village near Liozna. | ||
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== The Tanya – The Foundation of Chabad Chassidus == | == The Tanya – The Foundation of Chabad Chassidus == | ||
One of the Alter Rebbe’s most significant contributions to Chabad Chassidus was the publication of the Tanya, also known as ''Likkutei Amarim''. This foundational text, first printed in 5557 (1796), serves as a guide for every Jew in their service of Hashem. The Tanya addresses the struggles of the soul, offering practical advice for overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual growth. | One of the Alter Rebbe’s most significant contributions to Chabad Chassidus was the publication of the Tanya, also known as ''Likkutei Amarim''. This foundational text, first printed in 5557 (1796), serves as a guide for every Jew in their service of Hashem. The Tanya addresses the struggles of the soul, offering practical advice for overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual growth. | ||
[[File:ספר התניא.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:ספר התניא.jpg|thumb|The Tanya]] | ||
The Tanya is structured in a way that speaks to the intellect and the heart, combining deep philosophical concepts with practical guidance. It explains the nature of the soul, the purpose of creation, and the path to achieving closeness to Hashem through Torah, mitzvos, and prayer. | The Tanya is structured in a way that speaks to the intellect and the heart, combining deep philosophical concepts with practical guidance. It explains the nature of the soul, the purpose of creation, and the path to achieving closeness to Hashem through Torah, mitzvos, and prayer. | ||
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During his imprisonment, the Alter Rebbe wrote extensively, composing many of the teachings that would later be included in his works. After 53 days in prison, he was released on the 19th of Kislev, a day that has since been celebrated as the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.” | During his imprisonment, the Alter Rebbe wrote extensively, composing many of the teachings that would later be included in his works. After 53 days in prison, he was released on the 19th of Kislev, a day that has since been celebrated as the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus.” | ||
[[File:מבצר פטרופבלסקי.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:מבצר פטרופבלסקי.jpg|thumb|The Prison Where The Alter Rebbe Was Held]] | ||
The liberation of the Alter Rebbe was seen as a divine endorsement of Chassidus, and it strengthened the resolve of the Chassidim to continue spreading its teachings. | The liberation of the Alter Rebbe was seen as a divine endorsement of Chassidus, and it strengthened the resolve of the Chassidim to continue spreading its teachings. | ||
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== The Alter Rebbe’s Passing == | == The Alter Rebbe’s Passing == | ||
[[File:אוהל אדמוהז.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:אוהל אדמוהז.jpg|thumb|The Tzion Of The Alter Rebbe]] | ||
==== His Final Days ==== | ==== His Final Days ==== | ||
On Friday, 8 Teves 5573 (1813), the Alter Rebbe reached the village of Piena and received news of the destruction wrought in White Russia. On Thursday, 21 Teves, the Alter Rebbe davened Maariv for the last time. His sons later recounted that this tefillah was marked by extraordinary clarity and dveikus. | On Friday, 8 Teves 5573 (1813), the Alter Rebbe reached the village of Piena and received news of the destruction wrought in White Russia. On Thursday, 21 Teves, the Alter Rebbe davened Maariv for the last time. His sons later recounted that this tefillah was marked by extraordinary clarity and dveikus. | ||
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== His Lineage == | == His Lineage == | ||
The Alter Rebbe's lineage reaches back to the Maharal of Prague, who himself traced back to Rav Hai Gaon son of Rav Sherira Gaon son of Rav Chanina Gaon, who were from the family of the heads of the exile and the nesi'im until the kings of Judah and King David. | The Alter Rebbe's lineage reaches back to the Maharal of Prague, who himself traced back to Rav Hai Gaon son of Rav Sherira Gaon son of Rav Chanina Gaon, who were from the family of the heads of the exile and the nesi'im until the kings of Judah and [[King David]]. | ||
== His Written Works == | == His Written Works == | ||
[[File:לקוטי תורה דפוס ראשון.jpg|thumb|Title Page of the First Printing of Likkutei Torah, Year 5608 (1848)]] | [[File:לקוטי תורה דפוס ראשון.jpg|thumb|Title Page of the First Printing of Likkutei Torah, Year 5608 (1848)]] | ||
* Igros Kodesh (Alter Rebbe) | * [[Igros Kodesh of the Alter Rebbe|Igros Kodesh (Alter Rebbe)]] | ||
* Amirah L'Nochri | * [[Amirah L'Nochri]] | ||
* Biurei HaZohar (Alter Rebbe) | * [[Biurei HaZohar (Alter Rebbe)]] | ||
* Hilchos Talmud Torah | * [[Hilchos Talmud Torah]] | ||
* [[Likkutei Torah]] | * [[Likkutei Torah]] | ||
* Meah Shearim | * [[Meah Shearim]] | ||
* Sefer HaMaamarim (Alter Rebbe) | * Sefer HaMaamarim (Alter Rebbe) | ||
* Siddur Admur HaZaken | * [[The Alter Rebbe's Siddur|Siddur Admur HaZaken - The Alter Rebbe's Siddur]] | ||
* Sefer HaTanya | * [[Tanya|Sefer HaTanya]] | ||
* Piskei HaSiddur | * [[Piskei HaSiddur]] | ||
* Kuntres HaRav | * [[Kuntres HaRav]] | ||
* Shaalos U'Teshuvos Admur HaZaken | * [[Shaalos U'Teshuvos Admur HaZaken]] | ||
* Shaalos U'Teshuvos HaRav | * [[Shaalos U'Teshuvos HaRav]] | ||
* Shulchan Aruch Admur HaZaken | * [[Shulchan Aruch Admur HaZaken]] | ||
* Torah Ohr | * [[Torah Ohr]] | ||
* Boneh Yerushalayim | * [[Boneh Yerushalayim]] | ||
* Maamarei Admur HaZaken - HaKetzarim | * [[Maamarei Admur HaZaken - HaKetzarim]] | ||
* Luach Birchos HaNehenin | * [[Luach Birchos HaNehenin]] | ||
== His Innovations and Enactments == | == His Innovations and Enactments == | ||
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== The Portrait of the Alter Rebbe == | == The Portrait of the Alter Rebbe == | ||
====== Extended Article - Portrait of the Alter Rebbe ====== | ====== Extended Article - [[Portrait of the Alter Rebbe]] ====== | ||
In 1799, when the Alter Rebbe was imprisoned, he was painted by the nobles of Petersburg, showing him at his age during that period. The existence of this portrait became known through a chassid who heard, in 1862, the Tzemach Tzedek telling this to his son, [[the Rebbe Maharash]]. | In 1799, when the Alter Rebbe was imprisoned, he was painted by the nobles of Petersburg, showing him at his age during that period. The existence of this portrait became known through a chassid who heard, in 1862, the Tzemach Tzedek telling this to his son, [[the Rebbe Maharash]]. | ||
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The musical notes of the "Four Gates" from the Ten Niggunim | The musical notes of the "Four Gates" from the Ten Niggunim | ||
Expanded entry - | '''Expanded entry - [[The Ten Niggunim|Ten Niggunim]]''' | ||
There is a tradition among Chabad chassidim that the Alter Rebbe composed ten specific niggunim that have a special segula - bringing those who sing them to spiritual awakening (hisorerus teshuva) and connection of the soul to Elokus. It is customary not to sing these niggunim routinely, but rather at designated times or at appropriate moments. We know the identity of five of these ten niggunim, while the rest are attributed to him but there is uncertainty whether he actually composed them himself. | There is a tradition among Chabad chassidim that the Alter Rebbe composed ten specific niggunim that have a special [[segula]] - bringing those who sing them to spiritual awakening (hisorerus teshuva) and connection of the soul to Elokus. It is customary not to sing these niggunim routinely, but rather at designated times or at appropriate moments. We know the identity of five of these ten niggunim, while the rest are attributed to him but there is uncertainty whether he actually composed them himself. | ||
[[File:ארבע בבות.jpg|thumb|Musical Notes of the Four Stanzas (Arbah Bavos) from Sefer HaNigunim]] | [[File:ארבע בבות.jpg|thumb|Musical Notes of the Four Stanzas (Arbah Bavos) from Sefer HaNigunim]] | ||
# Avinu Malkeinu | # [[Avinu Malkeinu]] | ||
# Keli Atah | # [[E-li Atah|Keli Atah]] | ||
# Arba Bavos | # [[Arba Bavos]] | ||
# [[Niggun Bnei Heichala|Bnei Heichala]] | # [[Niggun Bnei Heichala|Bnei Heichala]] | ||
# K'Ayal Taarog | # [[K'Ayal Taarog]] | ||
# Lecha Dodi | # [[Lecha Dodi]] | ||
# Niggun Deveikus Rosh Hashanah | # [[Niggun Deveikus Rosh Hashanah]] | ||
# Niggun Deveikus Shabbos | # [[Niggun Deveikus Shabbos]] | ||
# Tzeina Ureina | # [[Tzeina Ureina]] | ||
# Kol Dodi | # [[Kol Dodi]] | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* Tanya | * [[Tanya]] | ||
* Union of Descendants of the Alter Rebbe | * [[Union of Descendants of the Alter Rebbe]] | ||
* Haditch | * [[Haditch]] | ||
== Further Reading == | == Further Reading == | ||
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== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* | * The Alter Rebbe's Resting Place on Google Maps: [https://www.google.com/maps/place/%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9F+%D7%94%D7%90%D7%93%D7%9E%D7%95%22%D7%A8+%D7%94%D7%96%D7%A7%D7%9F%E2%80%AD/@50.3545758,34.0103655,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIHM0ogKEICAgICG6dH1cA!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAC9h4nrFq7V9kr6Xsc1HDEy6YtTYFpN2_XbquuYj6fkye8fKHJJ4Pyo2Fr2EcjlMFrtCK45FCz589Jrn1aJfiUh77_gZbkNYDhFlNgN6YyupFykKlR7B8w-Yu-hPIe822XRf1_zuerYI%3Dw86-h152-k-no!7i2268!8i4032!4m7!3m6!1s0x4129d5fa1ebd5235:0xb5281a1c9f6b0bbf!8m2!3d50.3545758!4d34.0103655!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11fswl0fc_?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Pictures], [https://www.google.com/maps/place/%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9F+%D7%94%D7%90%D7%93%D7%9E%D7%95%22%D7%A8+%D7%94%D7%96%D7%A7%D7%9F%E2%80%AD/@50.3555495,34.0102824,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x4129d5fa1ebd5235:0xb5281a1c9f6b0bbf!8m2!3d50.3545758!4d34.0103655!16s%2Fg%2F11fswl0fc_?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Location] | ||
* Shaul Silam, '''Chronicles of the Alter Rebbe''' Printed as a Gift for His Daughter's Wedding, 3 Adar 5774 | * Shaul Silam, '''Chronicles of the Alter Rebbe''' Printed as a Gift for His Daughter's Wedding, 3 Adar 5774 | ||
* Menachem Bronpman, Special Interview with the Alter Rebbe - "Translation" to Hebrew for a Taste of His Responses to His Interrogators, on the Alei Sefer Website | * Menachem Bronpman, Special Interview with the Alter Rebbe - "Translation" to Hebrew for a Taste of His Responses to His Interrogators, on the Alei Sefer Website | ||
* '''6 Videos about the Alter Rebbe''' Multimedia Clips about the Alter Rebbe on the Chabad House Website | * '''6 Videos about the Alter Rebbe''' Multimedia Clips about the Alter Rebbe on the Chabad House Website | ||
* '''<nowiki/>'He Merited the Revelation of Eliyahu': A Rare Letter from the Maggid of Mezritch about the Alter Rebbe''', on the 'Lachluches Geulati' (Redemptive Moisture) Website | * '''<nowiki/>'He Merited the Revelation of Eliyahu': A Rare Letter from the Maggid of Mezritch about the Alter Rebbe''', on the 'Lachluches Geulati' (Redemptive Moisture) Website | ||
== References == | |||
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[[he:רבי שניאור זלמן מליאדי (אדמו"ר הזקן)]] | [[he:רבי שניאור זלמן מליאדי (אדמו"ר הזקן)]] | ||
[[Category:Chabad Rebbes]] | |||
[[Category:The Alter Rebbe]] | |||