Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad: Difference between revisions
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[[File:ספריה.jpg|thumb|The Lubavitch Library (on the right) adjacent to the 770 building]] | [[File:ספריה.jpg|thumb|The Lubavitch Library (on the right) adjacent to the 770 building]] | ||
the '''Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad''' is among the most important Jewish libraries in the world. The library includes approximately 250,000 titles, mostly ancient and rare; of these approximately 200,000 books are in [[Hebrew]] and [[Yiddish]], and approximately 50,000 books are in other languages. | |||
Located at the worldwide Chabad movement's headquarters - [[770 Eastern Parkway]], Brooklyn, NY. | |||
The current chief librarian is Rabbi Shalom DovBer Levine, preceded by Rabbi Chaim Lieberman. | The current chief librarian is [[Shalom DovBer Levin|Rabbi Shalom DovBer Levine]], preceded by [[Chaim Lieberman|Rabbi Chaim Lieberman]]. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Throughout the history of Chabad Chassidus, a collection of books and manuscripts existed at its center, in the possession of the Rebbe, leader of the movement. | Throughout the history of [[Chabad|Chabad Chassidus]], a collection of books and manuscripts existed at its center, in the possession of the Rebbe, leader of the movement. | ||
The collection from the first generations of Chassidus barely survived. The vast majority of books and manuscripts were burned in the numerous fires that struck small towns in those days, or were lost in other vicissitudes of time. The main part of the current collection began to be gathered in the third generation of Chabad Chassidus, and expanded over the generations, until it became one of the most important Jewish libraries in the world, if not the most important. | The collection from the first generations of Chassidus barely survived. The vast majority of books and manuscripts were burned in the numerous fires that struck small towns in those days, or were lost in other vicissitudes of time. The main part of the current collection began to be gathered in the third generation of Chabad Chassidus, and expanded over the generations, until it became one of the most important Jewish libraries in the world, if not the most important. | ||
From the first generation of Chabad Chassidus, we know of a list of about one hundred printed volumes that were taken for inspection from the home of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, during his imprisonment. These volumes were part of his books taken by them to determine whether they contained any material against the monarchy. | From the first generation of Chabad Chassidus, we know of a list of about one hundred printed volumes that were taken for inspection from the home of [[The Alter Rebbe|the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi]], during his imprisonment. These volumes were part of his books taken by them to determine whether they contained any material against the monarchy. | ||
It's possible this was only a library of a few hundred books; but even this sum of hundreds of volumes was substantial in Russia of those days. | It's possible this was only a library of a few hundred books; but even this sum of hundreds of volumes was substantial in [[Russia]] of those days. | ||
At the end of his life, there were two fires in the Alter Rebbe's house, one in 1810, when his handwritten composition of the Shulchan Aruch that he authored was also burned. The second occurred during the Napoleonic War when the Alter Rebbe left his home in Liadi in late 1812, and was forced to wander until his passing on 24 Tevet 5573 (1813). | At the end of his life, there were two fires in the Alter Rebbe's house, one in 1810, when his handwritten composition of the [[Shulchan Aruch]] that he authored was also burned. The second occurred during the Napoleonic War when the Alter Rebbe left his home in Liadi in late 1812, and was forced to wander until his passing on 24 [[Tevet]] 5573 (1813). | ||
His son, the Mitteler Rebbe, his successor and the Rebbe of the second generation of Chabad, settled in the town of Lubavitch at the end of that year, built a house and a large synagogue there, with a library that included 611 volumes, arranged in four cabinets. This is reported in the record written after the search conducted at his house in 1826. | His son, [[the Mitteler Rebbe]], his successor and the Rebbe of the second generation of Chabad, settled in the town of [[Lubavitch]] at the end of that year, built a house and a large synagogue there, with a library that included 611 volumes, arranged in four cabinets. This is reported in the record written after the search conducted at his house in 1826. | ||
A large collection of books began to be built in the third generation - by the Tzemach Tzedek, and grew from generation to generation. | A large collection of books began to be built in the third generation - by [[the Tzemach Tzedek]], and grew from generation to generation. | ||
This collection underwent many adventures and transformations: in fires that broke out in Lubavitch, a large part of it was burned. Part of the printed books of this collection passed to the heirs of the Tzemach Tzedek - after his passing, and to the heirs of the Rebbe Maharash - after his passing. | This collection underwent many adventures and transformations: in fires that broke out in Lubavitch, a large part of it was burned. Part of the printed books of this collection passed to the heirs of the Tzemach Tzedek - after his passing, and to the heirs of [[the Rebbe Maharash]] - after his passing. | ||
Most of the collection of printed books gathered by our Rebbes until World War I was confiscated by the Communist government, as will be described below. The Rebbe Rayatz began to build a new collection of printed books. | Most of the collection of printed books gathered by our Rebbes until [[World War I]] was confiscated by the Communist government, as will be described below. [[The Rebbe Rayatz]] began to build a new collection of printed books. | ||
== Main Collections in the Library == | == Main Collections in the Library == | ||
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== Schneersohn Collection == | == Schneersohn Collection == | ||
The Rebbe Rashab, the Rebbe of the fifth generation of Chabad, left Lubavitch during World War I, when the German army approached the area, and settled in the city of Rostov on the Don River. He left the book collection for safekeeping in a warehouse in Moscow, in order to receive it back after the end of the war. | The Rebbe Rashab, the Rebbe of the fifth generation of Chabad, left Lubavitch during World War I, when the German army approached the area, and settled in the city of [[Rostov]] on the Don River. He left the book collection for safekeeping in a warehouse in [[Moscow]], in order to receive it back after the end of the war. | ||
At the end of the war period, the Rebbe Rashab passed away in Rostov, and the leadership of Chabad passed to his son and successor, the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe of the sixth generation of Chabad, who began to inquire about the status of the books in the warehouse and their return. However, at that time the Communist regime took power, the warehouses were nationalized, and the books were taken from there and placed in the public library in Moscow. | At the end of the war period, the Rebbe Rashab passed away in Rostov, and the leadership of Chabad passed to his son and successor, the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe of the sixth generation of Chabad, who began to inquire about the status of the books in the warehouse and their return. However, at that time the Communist regime took power, the warehouses were nationalized, and the books were taken from there and placed in the public library in Moscow. | ||
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From there, he sent letters and notices to Anash (Chassidim) worldwide, urging them to help enrich the "Lubavitch Library" with books of all kinds. This continued after the Chabad center was moved to Poland, in the city of Warsaw and in Otwock. | From there, he sent letters and notices to Anash (Chassidim) worldwide, urging them to help enrich the "Lubavitch Library" with books of all kinds. This continued after the Chabad center was moved to Poland, in the city of Warsaw and in Otwock. | ||
During his travels, the Rebbe Rayatz never parted from 3 suitcases containing manuscripts, only during his journey to the Holy Land in 5689 (1929) did he entrust them to the [future] Rebbe when they parted in Trieste, Italy. | During his travels, the Rebbe Rayatz never parted from 3 suitcases containing manuscripts, only during his journey to [[Eretz Yisroel|the Holy Land]] in 5689 (1929) did he entrust them to [[The Rebbe|the [future] Rebbe]] when they parted in Trieste, Italy. | ||
At the beginning of World War II, the Rebbe was in Warsaw occupied by the Nazis (may their name be erased) for a period of several months, until late winter 5700 (1940) when he left with his family and secretaries; first they passed through Berlin to Riga, Stockholm, and from there arrived in New York. | At the beginning of [[World War II]], the Rebbe was in Warsaw occupied by the Nazis (may their name be erased) for a period of several months, until late winter 5700 (1940) when he left with his family and secretaries; first they passed through [[Berlin]] to [[Riga]], Stockholm, and from there arrived in [[New York]]. | ||
The book collection remained in occupied Poland. Part of it was transferred over a year and a half, by those who worked to move this treasure from place to place through difficult paths during the war, until it arrived in New York at the end of 5701 (1941), when the ground floor of the new Chabad center at 770 Eastern Parkway was dedicated to this library. | The book collection remained in occupied Poland. Part of it was transferred over a year and a half, by those who worked to move this treasure from place to place through difficult paths during the war, until it arrived in New York at the end of [[5701]] (1941), when the ground floor of the new Chabad center at 770 Eastern Parkway was dedicated to this library. | ||
Another part of this collection was lost for thirty-eight years, and only in 5737 (1977) was it discovered, and following intense activism and effort, it was returned to the library's ownership at the beginning of 5738 (1978). | Another part of this collection was lost for thirty-eight years, and only in 5737 (1977) was it discovered, and following intense activism and effort, it was returned to the library's ownership at the beginning of 5738 (1978). | ||
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Another part of the collection was deposited in the American Embassy in Warsaw, but the Nazis looted the embassy, and after the war, the books passed from their hands to the Russian army, which stored them in one of its many warehouses, and for many years their fate was unknown. | Another part of the collection was deposited in the American Embassy in Warsaw, but the Nazis looted the embassy, and after the war, the books passed from their hands to the Russian army, which stored them in one of its many warehouses, and for many years their fate was unknown. | ||
In 5757 (1997), a book collector (a Karlin Chassid) found the books in his searches in Russian army warehouses, and according to his Rebbe's instruction, informed Chabad Chassidim. The "Otzar HaChassidim" organization photographed the books at astronomical cost, but the Russian government refuses to return them to this day, despite repeated appeals from Chabad Chassidus and the American government. | In 5757 (1997), a book collector (a Karlin Chassid) found the books in his searches in Russian army warehouses, and according to his Rebbe's instruction, informed Chabad Chassidim. The "[[Otzar HaChassidim]]" organization photographed the books at astronomical cost, but the Russian government refuses to return them to this day, despite repeated appeals from Chabad Chassidus and the American government. | ||
== The Rebbe's Collection == | == The Rebbe's Collection == | ||
Immediately upon arriving in New York in the summer of 5701 (1941), the Rebbe was appointed by his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz, to head the "Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch" (Central Organization for Jewish Education). The Rebbe then began to collect books for his offices at 770 to serve the work of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch. | Immediately upon arriving in New York in the summer of 5701 (1941), the Rebbe was appointed by his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz, to head the "[[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]]" (Central Organization for Jewish Education). The Rebbe then began to collect books for his offices at 770 to serve the work of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch. | ||
After the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz on 10 Shevat 5710 (1950), the leadership of Chabad passed to the Rebbe. He then began to expand this collection, with many books gathered according to his instructions by his many emissaries worldwide. The Rebbe instructed his representatives and emissaries to strive and engage in this, thanked those who were involved and encouraged them to send both ancient books and manuscripts, and newly printed books. When helpful, he instructed to reach an exchange agreement whereby in return for sending books to the library, the senders would receive books from Kehot (Chabad publishing house). | After the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz on [[10 Shevat 5710]] (1950), the leadership of Chabad passed to the Rebbe. He then began to expand this collection, with many books gathered according to his instructions by his many emissaries worldwide. The Rebbe instructed his representatives and emissaries to strive and engage in this, thanked those who were involved and encouraged them to send both ancient books and manuscripts, and newly printed books. When helpful, he instructed to reach an exchange agreement whereby in return for sending books to the library, the senders would receive books from Kehot (Chabad publishing house). | ||
In 5728 (1968), when this collection grew to large dimensions, the house adjacent to 770 was purchased to house this special library. | In 5728 (1968), when this collection grew to large dimensions, the house adjacent to 770 was purchased to house this special library. | ||
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During the years 5728-5745 (1968-1985), two parallel libraries existed at the Chabad center: a. The collection of the Rebbe Rayatz on the ground floor of 770. b. The Rebbe's collection in the building adjacent to 770. | During the years 5728-5745 (1968-1985), two parallel libraries existed at the Chabad center: a. The collection of the Rebbe Rayatz on the ground floor of 770. b. The Rebbe's collection in the building adjacent to 770. | ||
In 5746-47 (1986-87), the "Books Trial" took place in which a grandson of the Rebbe Rayatz claimed ownership of part of his collection; the court ruled that all the books belong to the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad. | In [[5746]]-[[5747|47]] (1986-87), [[the "Books Trial"]] took place in which a grandson of the Rebbe Rayatz claimed ownership of part of his collection; the court ruled that all the books belong to the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad. | ||
After the Rebbe's victory in the trial, he announced a massive campaign to expand the library, and even ordered the unification of the two collections under the "Central Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad Ohel Yosef Yitzchak - Lubavitch." In 5749 (1989), he ordered the renovation and expansion of the library building, and its physical connection to the main building of 770. Preparations immediately began to open the library to researchers. | After the Rebbe's victory in the trial, he announced a massive campaign to expand the library, and even ordered the unification of the two collections under the "Central Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad Ohel Yosef Yitzchak - Lubavitch." In [[5749]] (1989), he ordered the renovation and expansion of the library building, and its physical connection to the main building of 770. Preparations immediately began to open the library to researchers. | ||
In 5752 (1992), the construction of the library and the preparation of the computerized catalog were completed, and the reading room was opened to researchers. | In [[5752]] (1992), the construction of the library and the preparation of the computerized catalog were completed, and the reading room was opened to researchers. | ||
In 5754 (1994), the library's exhibition hall, located on the third floor of 770, was opened to the general public. This floor was previously used as the apartment of Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary. | In 5754 (1994), the library's exhibition hall, located on the third floor of 770, was opened to the general public. This floor was previously used as the apartment of Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary. | ||
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During the seven generations of Chabad Chassidus, alongside the growth of the printed book collection, the manuscript collection also grew. The main part of this collection consists of manuscripts of Chabad Chassidic teachings. | During the seven generations of Chabad Chassidus, alongside the growth of the printed book collection, the manuscript collection also grew. The main part of this collection consists of manuscripts of Chabad Chassidic teachings. | ||
This began during the leadership of the Alter Rebbe, when the Alter Rebbe had not yet published any of his books. The discourses he would deliver every Shabbat were recorded by his brother, Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Janowitch, author of the book "She'erit Yehudah." Many copies were made of these "hanachos" (transcripts) which were distributed among thousands of Chassidim. Even the book of "Tanya" had not yet been printed at that time and was distributed among the Chassidim in many copies. Thus began the formation of the manuscript collection of Chabad Chassidic teachings. | This began during the leadership of the Alter Rebbe, when the Alter Rebbe had not yet published any of his books. The discourses he would deliver every Shabbat were recorded by his brother, [[Yehudah Leib of Janowitch|Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Janowitch]], author of the book "She'erit Yehudah." Many copies were made of these "hanachos" (transcripts) which were distributed among thousands of Chassidim. Even the book of "Tanya" had not yet been printed at that time and was distributed among the Chassidim in many copies. Thus began the formation of the manuscript collection of Chabad Chassidic teachings. | ||
This collection was not kept in the Alter Rebbe's house. However, after two generations, his grandson and successor - the Tzemach Tzedek - endeavored to gather these manuscripts in one place, and thus began the building of the manuscript collection, which was always preserved at the center of Chabad leadership. | This collection was not kept in the Alter Rebbe's house. However, after two generations, his grandson and successor - the Tzemach Tzedek - endeavored to gather these manuscripts in one place, and thus began the building of the manuscript collection, which was always preserved at the center of Chabad leadership. | ||
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== Library Structure == | == Library Structure == | ||
In 5727 (1967), Agudas Chassidei Chabad purchased building number 766 on Eastern Parkway, adjacent to the right side of the building of the world headquarters of the Chabad movement - 770. The building was purchased in order to store the library archive, which had expanded to large dimensions, and in order to meet the need to arrange the books in a more cataloged form and to preserve them in better storage conditions. In addition to its use as library offices and as a spacious storage place, the building served various purposes over the years, including serving as a hall for special visits of distinguished personalities who met with the Rebbe (including the meetings of the Rebbe with Chief Rabbis Mordechai Eliyahu and Avraham Shapira), as well as a private room for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin where they stayed on Shabbat and holidays in the last years of the Rebbetzin's life. In 5750 (1990), about a year after the passing of Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, the upper floor of 770 was vacated at the instruction of the Rebbe, who ordered the place to be prepared for opening a changing exhibition from the library archive. As a result, a bridge connecting the building with 770 was built, to allow direct access from the library to the exhibition hall renovated in Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary's apartment. Also during these renovations, the basements of the building were connected with the basement floor of 770. | In [[5727]] (1967), Agudas Chassidei Chabad purchased building number 766 on Eastern Parkway, adjacent to the right side of the building of the world headquarters of the Chabad movement - 770. The building was purchased in order to store the library archive, which had expanded to large dimensions, and in order to meet the need to arrange the books in a more cataloged form and to preserve them in better storage conditions. In addition to its use as library offices and as a spacious storage place, the building served various purposes over the years, including serving as a hall for special visits of distinguished personalities who met with the Rebbe (including the meetings of the Rebbe with Chief Rabbis [[Mordechai Eliyahu]] and [[Avraham Shapira]]), as well as a private room for the Rebbe and [[Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson|Rebbetzin]] where they stayed on Shabbat and holidays in the last years of the Rebbetzin's life. In 5750 (1990), about a year after the passing of [[Shmaryahu Gurary|Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary]], the upper floor of 770 was vacated at the instruction of the Rebbe, who ordered the place to be prepared for opening a changing exhibition from the library archive. As a result, a bridge connecting the building with 770 was built, to allow direct access from the library to the exhibition hall renovated in Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary's apartment. Also during these renovations, the basements of the building were connected with the basement floor of 770. | ||
Over the years, the library archive expanded significantly, creating a real need to expand the space. After the passing of Rabbi Meir Itkin in 5767 (2007), negotiations began with the family to purchase his house adjacent to the library building, and in 5774 (2014) the purchase was completed and renovations began to unify the houses and secure them from fires and water penetration. | Over the years, the library archive expanded significantly, creating a real need to expand the space. After the passing of Rabbi Meir Itkin in 5767 (2007), negotiations began with the family to purchase his house adjacent to the library building, and in [[5774]] (2014) the purchase was completed and renovations began to unify the houses and secure them from fires and water penetration. | ||
==== Exhibition Hall ==== | ==== Exhibition Hall ==== | ||
This library is not intended for lending, or for reading books by the general public, but as emphasized several times by our Rebbes, it is a library for researchers, rabbis, heads of yeshivas and authors who want to consult a rare book. | This library is not intended for lending, or for reading books by the general public, but as emphasized several times by our Rebbes, it is a library for researchers, rabbis, heads of yeshivas and authors who want to consult a rare book. | ||
In order to satisfy the desire of the general public who wish to see a little of the holy treasures contained in the library, a special hall in the library was dedicated to exhibitions. Each year, a special topic is chosen by the library management, to which the exhibition of that year is dedicated. Over the years, special items related to each of the Chabad Rebbes and to every area of Chabad activity have been displayed in this exhibition. The exhibitions displayed books, manuscripts, objects, paintings and photographs related to the Rebbes and Chabad activities, to great Jewish scholars and especially to the great figures of Chassidus. The library's special collection of Haggadahs was also exhibited; ketubot, and first editions of Chassidic books printed in the early generations. | In order to satisfy the desire of the general public who wish to see a little of the holy treasures contained in the library, a special hall in the library was dedicated to exhibitions. Each year, a special topic is chosen by the library management, to which the exhibition of that year is dedicated. Over the years, special items related to each of the Chabad Rebbes and to every area of Chabad activity have been displayed in this exhibition. The exhibitions displayed books, manuscripts, objects, paintings and photographs related to the Rebbes and Chabad activities, to great Jewish scholars and especially to the great figures of Chassidus. The library's special collection of [[Haggadah|Haggadahs]] was also exhibited; [[ketubot]], and first editions of Chassidic books printed in the early generations. | ||
These exhibitions are visited by men and women from all circles, school children, tourist groups, and anyone who wants to see with their own eyes books and objects that teach the history of Chassidus and the treasures of the library, which after generations of preparation - is open to the public. | These exhibitions are visited by men and women from all circles, school children, tourist groups, and anyone who wants to see with their own eyes books and objects that teach the history of Chassidus and the treasures of the library, which after generations of preparation - is open to the public. | ||
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* The Rebbe's Shtender, the Special Silver Staff, the Clock with the Moon • Special Video | * The Rebbe's Shtender, the Special Silver Staff, the Clock with the Moon • Special Video | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Sites in Crown heights]] | ||
[[Category:770]] | [[Category:770]] | ||
[[he:ספריית אגודת חסידי חב"ד]] | [[he:ספריית אגודת חסידי חב"ד]] | ||