Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson: Difference between revisions
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[[File:חיה_מושקא.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson]] | [[File:חיה_מושקא.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson]] | ||
'''Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson''' ([[25 Adar]] [[5661]] – [[22 Shevat]] [[5748]]; March 15, 1901 – February 13, 1988) was the daughter of the [[Frierdiker Rebbe]] — Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch — and the wife of [[The Rebbe]], Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. She stood at the center of Chabad's most turbulent and consequential decades, bearing witness to exile, rescue, and the building of one of the most far-reaching Jewish movements in history — always from a place of deep personal reticence, quiet wisdom, and extraordinary strength of character. | '''Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson''' ([[25 Adar]] [[5661]] – [[22 Shevat]] [[5748]]; March 15, 1901 – February 13, 1988) was the daughter of the [[Frierdiker Rebbe]] — Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch — and the wife of [[The Rebbe]], Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. She stood at the center of Chabad's most turbulent and consequential decades, bearing witness to exile, rescue, and the building of one of the most far-reaching Jewish movements in history — always from a place of deep personal reticence, quiet wisdom, and extraordinary strength of character. | ||
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Her grandfather, [[the Rebbe Rashab]] — Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, the fifth Chabad Rebbe — was traveling outside of Russia at the time of her birth. He sent a telegram to his son instructing that the newborn girl be named Chaya Mushka, after the wife of the [[Tzemach Tzedek]], who was herself an ancestor of both parents. | Her grandfather, [[the Rebbe Rashab]] — Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, the fifth Chabad Rebbe — was traveling outside of Russia at the time of her birth. He sent a telegram to his son instructing that the newborn girl be named Chaya Mushka, after the wife of the [[Tzemach Tzedek]], who was herself an ancestor of both parents. | ||
She grew up in her parents' home, living first in [[Lubavitch]], the ancestral seat of the Chabad dynasty. In [[5676]] (1916), the family relocated to [[Rostov]], having been displaced by the upheavals of [[World War I]], together with the Rebbe Rashab and [[Rebbetzin Shterna Sara]]. | She grew up in her parents' home, living first in [[Lubavitch]], the ancestral seat of the Chabad dynasty. In [[5676]] (1916), the family relocated to [[Rostov]], having been displaced by the upheavals of [[World War I]], together with the Rebbe Rashab and [[Rebbetzin Shterna Sara]].<ref>The family moved to Rostov during World War I, together with the Rebbe Rashab and Rebbetzin Shterna Sara.</ref> In [[5684]] (1924), the family moved to [[Leningrad]].<ref>When the Frierdiker Rebbe was compelled to leave Rostov due to pressure from the Soviet secret police (GPU), who sought to arrest him, he traveled ahead for two weeks to secure an apartment — accompanied by his daughter, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka — and subsequently transferred the rest of the household.</ref> In [[5688]] (1928), following the Frierdiker Rebbe's release from Soviet imprisonment and his departure from Russia, they settled in [[Riga]].<ref>After the Frierdiker Rebbe was released from imprisonment and left Russia.</ref> | ||
=== Power of attorney === | === Power of attorney === | ||
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=== Wedding === | === Wedding === | ||
On [[6 Kislev]] [[5689]] (November 9, 1928), the engagement of Chaya Mushka to [[The Rebbe]] was formalized in [[Riga]].<ref>The wedding had originally been planned to take place immediately after the family's departure from Russia, but was postponed in the hope that the groom's parents — Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson — who had not yet been able to leave Russia, might attend. When it became clear that their release was not imminent, the wedding proceeded without them.</ref> | |||
On [[6 Kislev]] [[5689]] (November 9, 1928), the engagement of Chaya Mushka to [[The Rebbe]] was formalized in [[Riga]]. | |||
On [[14 Kislev]] [[5689]] (November 14, 1928), the wedding took place in [[Warsaw]], Poland. The ceremony was officiated by her father, the Frierdiker Rebbe. The reception began at five o'clock in the afternoon; special guards ensured that only invited guests with entrance cards were admitted to the hall of the [[Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva of Warsaw]], where the wedding was held. | On [[14 Kislev]] [[5689]] (November 14, 1928), the wedding took place in [[Warsaw]], Poland. The ceremony was officiated by her father, the Frierdiker Rebbe. The reception began at five o'clock in the afternoon; special guards ensured that only invited guests with entrance cards were admitted to the hall of the [[Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva of Warsaw]], where the wedding was held. | ||
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Following their marriage, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin made their home in [[Berlin]]. In [[5693]] (1933), they relocated to [[Paris]]. | Following their marriage, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin made their home in [[Berlin]]. In [[5693]] (1933), they relocated to [[Paris]]. | ||
During these years, the Rebbetzin served as a de facto personal secretary to her father, the Frierdiker Rebbe. She managed his accounts, oversaw the transfer of charitable funds according to his instructions, and signed correspondence on his behalf. | During these years, the Rebbetzin served as a de facto personal secretary to her father, the Frierdiker Rebbe. She managed his accounts, oversaw the transfer of charitable funds according to his instructions, and signed correspondence on his behalf.<ref>See: Rabbi Shneur Zalman Berger, [http://chabadpedia.co.il/images/c/ce/הרבנית_מזכירה_זמנית.pdf "Temporary Secretary"] — a historical study of the Rebbetzin's role as her father's secretary, published in ''Beis Moshiach Weekly''.</ref> | ||
When Nazi Germany occupied France, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin fled to [[Nice]] (Nizza), in the unoccupied zone of southern France then governed by the Vichy French authorities. | When Nazi Germany occupied France, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin fled to [[Nice]] (Nizza), in the unoccupied zone of southern France then governed by the Vichy French authorities. | ||
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After further extraordinary efforts, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin reached [[Lisbon]], Portugal, where they boarded a ship bound for the United States. | After further extraordinary efforts, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin reached [[Lisbon]], Portugal, where they boarded a ship bound for the United States. | ||
On [[28 Sivan]] [[5701]] (June 23, 1941), they arrived in the United States aboard the ship ''Serpa Pinta''. This date has since been observed as a day of celebration and gratitude, commemorating the miraculous rescue of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin. Only three days after their arrival, in the early afternoon, the Frierdiker Rebbe sent word asking the Rebbe and Rebbetzin to come to him — separately. | On [[28 Sivan]] [[5701]] (June 23, 1941), they arrived in the United States aboard the ship ''Serpa Pinta''. This date has since been observed as a day of celebration and gratitude, commemorating the miraculous rescue of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin. Only three days after their arrival, in the early afternoon, the Frierdiker Rebbe sent word asking the Rebbe and Rebbetzin to come to him — separately.<ref>When the Rebbe was asked by Rabbi Gershon Ber Jacobson why the Frierdiker Rebbe had not received them until the third day, the Rebbe replied: "Perhaps the reason may be suggested as follows: my teacher and father-in-law was known to be deeply moved by emotional experience, and one can well imagine the overwhelming emotion that would have been aroused had we entered immediately, and together. Chassidus demands that the mind govern the heart — and so he waited several days, setting aside the immense personal pain that the waiting itself must have caused him." (''Chabad Info'', 27 Sivan 5776 / July 3, 2016)</ref> | ||
=== The secret visit to Paris === | === The secret visit to Paris === | ||
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== Legacy and memorials == | == Legacy and memorials == | ||
=== The | === The Chomesh Fund and birthday campaigns === | ||
On the very day of her passing, the Rebbe established in her memory the ''Keren Chamas'' — the Chamas Fund — dedicated to supporting women in the three mitzvos that are central to the Jewish home: the separation of challah dough, the lighting of Shabbos candles, and the laws of family purity. The fund operates under the directorship of Rabbi [[Yehuda Krinsky]] and continues to assist tens of thousands of women in educational and communal endeavors to this day. | On the very day of her passing, the Rebbe established in her memory the ''Keren Chamas'' — the Chamas Fund — dedicated to supporting women in the three mitzvos that are central to the Jewish home: the separation of challah dough, the lighting of Shabbos candles, and the laws of family purity. The fund operates under the directorship of Rabbi [[Yehuda Krinsky]] and continues to assist tens of thousands of women in educational and communal endeavors to this day. | ||
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Approximately one month after her passing, on [[25 Adar]] (her birthday), the Rebbe launched the [[Birthday Campaign]], announcing customs connected with observing one's birthday as a day of personal renewal, good resolutions, and communal celebration in the form of a ''farbrengen''. | Approximately one month after her passing, on [[25 Adar]] (her birthday), the Rebbe launched the [[Birthday Campaign]], announcing customs connected with observing one's birthday as a day of personal renewal, good resolutions, and communal celebration in the form of a ''farbrengen''. | ||
The Rebbe described the date of the Rebbetzin's passing as the beginning of a new era in the leadership of ''the Nasi of our generation'' — one in which the final spiritual refinements of history are complete, and the Jewish people need only prepare themselves for the coming of Mashiach. | The Rebbe described the date of the Rebbetzin's passing as the beginning of a new era in the leadership of ''the Nasi of our generation'' — one in which the final spiritual refinements of history are complete, and the Jewish people need only prepare themselves for the coming of Mashiach.<ref>''Dvar Malchus'', Parshas Yisro.</ref> | ||
== Character and personality == | == Character and personality == | ||
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== Ways and customs == | == Ways and customs == | ||
She was known to listen to Torah classes given by Rabbi [[Yoel Kahn]]. | She was known to listen to Torah classes given by Rabbi [[Yoel Kahan|Yoel Kahn]].<ref>As told by Rabbi Yoel Kahn's wife, Mrs. Leah Kahn — women's supplement to ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 2045.</ref> | ||
She took a deep and sustained interest in the well-being of young men and women who had come to Chabad from [[Satmar]] and other communities — concerning herself with their futures, their integration, and their marriage prospects. | She took a deep and sustained interest in the well-being of young men and women who had come to Chabad from [[Satmar]] and other communities — concerning herself with their futures, their integration, and their marriage prospects.<ref>She spoke of this at length with Mrs. Leah Kahn, wife of Rabbi Yoel Kahn — women's supplement to ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 2045.</ref> | ||
The Rebbetzin showed keen interest in everything connected with [[Chabad emissaries|Chabad emissary families]] — their working conditions, their living circumstances, the smallest details of their sacred work. She spoke of them with evident admiration and affection, and maintained personal contact with a number of emissaries and their wives, inviting those who came to Brooklyn to visit her at home. | The Rebbetzin showed keen interest in everything connected with [[Chabad emissaries|Chabad emissary families]] — their working conditions, their living circumstances, the smallest details of their sacred work. She spoke of them with evident admiration and affection, and maintained personal contact with a number of emissaries and their wives, inviting those who came to Brooklyn to visit her at home.<ref>See, for example, the family of emissary Rabbi Shmuel Lou; Rebbetzin Batya Azimov; and others. See "My Story," JEM, issue 356 (7 Nissan 5782 / April 8, 2022), interview with Rabbi Mendel Azimov. See also: ''Ateres Malchus'', p. 162–163.</ref> | ||
In her later years she devoted considerable energy to the ''Mivtza Neiros Shabbos Kodesh'' — the campaign to spread the lighting of Shabbos candles — and to the ''Ten Yad'' organization for assisting brides in establishing their homes. | In her later years she devoted considerable energy to the ''Mivtza Neiros Shabbos Kodesh'' — the campaign to spread the lighting of Shabbos candles — and to the ''Ten Yad'' organization for assisting brides in establishing their homes.<ref>''Shalsheleth HaYachas'', the calendar of ''HaYom Yom''.</ref> | ||
=== The meaning of her name === | === The meaning of her name === | ||
[[File:מצבת הרבנית.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Rebbetzin's gravestone, bearing the date [[22 Shevat 5748]] | [[File:מצבת הרבנית.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Rebbetzin's gravestone, bearing the date [[22 Shevat 5748]] (February 13, 1988)]]'''Chaya''' — from the Hebrew root for life (''chayim''), life drawn from the ultimate Source of all vitality and channeled through the dimension of the soul, down to the physical body itself. The letter ''hei'', which closes the name, alludes to the five organs of speech and the ten divine utterances through which the world was created. | ||
'''Chaya''' — from the Hebrew root for life (''chayim''), life drawn from the ultimate Source of all vitality and channeled through the dimension of the soul, down to the physical body itself. The letter ''hei'', which closes the name, alludes to the five organs of speech and the ten divine utterances through which the world was created. | |||
'''Mushka''' — a name of non-Hebrew origin, evoking a type of precious fragrance. That the name comes from another language itself alludes to the most refined spiritual elevation; that it refers to fragrance points to the transcendent, enveloping dimension of the soul — its ''makif'', the light that surrounds from without rather than pervading from within — whose essence is likened to scent. | '''Mushka''' — a name of non-Hebrew origin, evoking a type of precious fragrance. That the name comes from another language itself alludes to the most refined spiritual elevation; that it refers to fragrance points to the transcendent, enveloping dimension of the soul — its ''makif'', the light that surrounds from without rather than pervading from within — whose essence is likened to scent. | ||
'''The combined numerical value of both names (''gematria'') is 470''' — hinting at the word ''ittim'', "times," suggesting both the good times that are openly good and those that, though challenging, are transformed through one's spiritual service into good. | '''The combined numerical value of both names (''gematria'') is 470''' — hinting at the word ''ittim'', "times," suggesting both the good times that are openly good and those that, though challenging, are transformed through one's spiritual service into good.<ref>From the Rebbe's discourses, Parshas Yisro, 22 Shevat 5750 (February 17, 1990); 22 Shevat 5752 (January 27, 1992).</ref> | ||
== Institutions established in her memory == | == Institutions established in her memory == | ||
* [[Merkaz Chamas — Network of Kollelim]] — a network of fifty study centers for advanced Torah study throughout Israel | * [[Merkaz Chamas — Network of Kollelim|Merkaz Chomesh — Network of Kollelim]] — a network of fifty study centers for advanced Torah study throughout Israel | ||
* [[Beis Chaya Mushka of Crown Heights]] | * [[Beis Chaya Mushka of Crown Heights]] | ||
* [[Beis Chaya Mushka (Paris)]] — the largest Jewish girls' elementary school in Europe, enrolling approximately 2,500 students | * [[Beis Chaya Mushka (Paris)]] — the largest Jewish girls' elementary school in Europe, enrolling approximately 2,500 students | ||
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* Rabbi Chasdia Halberstam — recollections of his years as personal attendant to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', issue 470 (2004) | * Rabbi Chasdia Halberstam — recollections of his years as personal attendant to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', issue 470 (2004) | ||
* Recollections of the attendant Rabbi Chasdia Halberstam on the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, ''Ateres Chaya'' supplement to ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', issue 1396 (2020) | * Recollections of the attendant Rabbi Chasdia Halberstam on the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, ''Ateres Chaya'' supplement to ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', issue 1396 (2020) | ||
* '''Likkut Igros Kodesh from the Rebbetzin''' — a collection of her sacred letters, issued for the 120th anniversary of her birth, 25 Adar 5781 (2021) | * '''Likkut Igros Kodesh from the Rebbetzin''' — a collection of her sacred letters, issued for the 120th anniversary of her birth, 25 Adar 5781 (March 9, 2021) | ||
* '''Through You, Israel Will Be Blessed''' — an English-language volume containing her biography, stories, and episodes about the Rebbetzin. Compiled and edited by Malka Schwartz. Published 5764 (2004) | * '''Through You, Israel Will Be Blessed''' — an English-language volume containing her biography, stories, and episodes about the Rebbetzin. Compiled and edited by Malka Schwartz. Published 5764 (2004) | ||
* '''V'HaChai Yiten El Libo''' — a Hebrew anthology of biographical accounts, memoirs, and stories. Compiled and edited by Rabbi Mishael Aronson (Aronovov). Published 5769 (2009) | * '''V'HaChai Yiten El Libo''' — a Hebrew anthology of biographical accounts, memoirs, and stories. Compiled and edited by Rabbi Mishael Aronson (Aronovov). Published 5769 (2009) | ||
* '''HaRebbetzin''' — published by Neshei U'Bnos Chabad of the Holy Land, edited by | * '''HaRebbetzin''' — published by Neshei U'Bnos Chabad of the Holy Land, edited by Sholom Magidmen, Shevat 5781 (2021) | ||
* '''HaRebbetzin HaTzadekkes''' — published by the Federation of Chassidim for the Reception of Mashiach, edited by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Tamrin | * '''HaRebbetzin HaTzadekkes''' — published by the Federation of Chassidim for the Reception of Mashiach, edited by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Tamrin | ||
* "HaRebbetzin Sheli" — women's supplement to ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 1895, p. 8 | * "HaRebbetzin Sheli" — women's supplement to ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 1895, p. 8 | ||
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* "Ani V'HaRebbetzin" — interview with the wife of the personal attendant, Mrs. Shoshana Malka — ''Ateres Chaya'' supplement to ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', Parshas Yisro 5781, p. 4 | * "Ani V'HaRebbetzin" — interview with the wife of the personal attendant, Mrs. Shoshana Malka — ''Ateres Chaya'' supplement to ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', Parshas Yisro 5781, p. 4 | ||
* "Rare testimony from the Rebbetzin about the Rebbe" — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', issue 1249, p. 45 | * "Rare testimony from the Rebbetzin about the Rebbe" — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', issue 1249, p. 45 | ||
* Rabbi | * Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael (Steinsaltz), "Her True Greatness" — ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 1895, p. 35 | ||
* Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi, "Crown of Her Husband" — ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 1895, p. 38 | * Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi, "Crown of Her Husband" — ''Kfar Chabad Weekly'', issue 1895, p. 38 | ||
* Rabbi [[Shneur Zalman Berger]], [http://chabadpedia.co.il/images/c/ce/הרבנית_מזכירה_זמנית.pdf "Temporary Secretary"] — a historical study of her role as her father's secretary — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'' | * Rabbi [[Shneur Zalman Berger]], [http://chabadpedia.co.il/images/c/ce/הרבנית_מזכירה_זמנית.pdf "Temporary Secretary"] — a historical study of her role as her father's secretary — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'' | ||
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=== Video === | === Video === | ||
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/newvideo/video.php?id=3727 A comprehensive chronicle of the events of 22 Shevat] — chabad.info | * [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/newvideo/video.php?id=3727 A comprehensive chronicle of the events of 22 Shevat] — chabad.info | ||
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=35305 The Rebbetzin's funeral — 22 Shevat 5748] — chabad.info | * [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=35305 The Rebbetzin's funeral — 22 Shevat 5748 (February 13, 1988)] — chabad.info | ||
* [http://www.hageula.com/vid/malkeinu/3433.html Additional footage from the funeral] — hageula.com | * [http://www.hageula.com/vid/malkeinu/3433.html Additional footage from the funeral] — hageula.com | ||
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/newvideo/video.php?id=3725 The Rebbetzin speaks about her father] — chabad.info | * [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/newvideo/video.php?id=3725 The Rebbetzin speaks about her father] — chabad.info | ||
* [https://col.org.il/news/123157 The Rebbetzin we knew: personal testimony | * [https://col.org.il/news/123157 The Rebbetzin we knew: personal testimony] — COL | ||
* [https://col.org.il/news/129112 "Her first name, Chaya, means life — life is eternal" | * [https://col.org.il/news/129112 "Her first name, Chaya, means life — life is eternal"] — COL | ||
* [https://chabad.info/video/documentary/651123/ A portrait in photographs: a presentation from her life] — chabad.info | * [https://chabad.info/video/documentary/651123/ A portrait in photographs: a presentation from her life] — chabad.info | ||
* [https://chabad.info/video/beis-medrash-video/classes/651386/ Rabbi Kahana reveals stories from his personal diary about the Rebbetzin] — chabad.info | * [https://chabad.info/video/beis-medrash-video/classes/651386/ Rabbi Kahana reveals stories from his personal diary about the Rebbetzin] — chabad.info | ||
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== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
<references /> | |||
[[he:רבנית חיה מושקא שניאורסון]] | [[he:רבנית חיה מושקא שניאורסון]] | ||