Jump to content

Shemaryahu Gurary: Difference between revisions

← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit
No edit summary
 
(12 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:הרשג.jpg|thumb|250px|Rabbi Gurary]]
Rabbi '''Shmarya Gurary''' ([[1 Kislev]] [[5658]] – [[6 Adar I]] [[5749]]; known by the acronym '''the Rashag''') was the son-in-law of the [[Rebbe Rayatz]], the brother-in-law of [[the Rebbe]], and the director of the [[Tomchei Temimim]] yeshiva network. On [[Shemini Atzeres]] [[5731]], the Rebbe appointed him as the "baal habayis" — the designated steward<ref>See at length the article on [[the Chassidic UN]].</ref> — for the country of [[Egypt]] (which he had visited together with the Rebbe Rayatz).
Rabbi Shmarya Gurary (Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5698 - 6 Adar I 5749/1898-1989) served as the son-in-law of the Frierdiker Rebbe, brother-in-law of the Rebbe, and director of the worldwide Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva system. The Rebbe appointed him on Shemini Atzeres 5731 as the "baal habayis" over Egypt (where he had visited with the Frierdiker Rebbe).


Born in Kremenchug, Russia, to the renowned chossid and nogid Reb Menachem Mendel Gurary (a prominent chossid of the Rebbe Rashab) and Mrs. Sheindel, he studied in Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch.
==Life==
[[File:הרבי נותן משקה לרשג.jpg|left|thumb|250px|[[The Rebbe]] offering ''mashke'' to the Rashag during a [[farbrengen]]]]
[[File:הרשג-בפתח-770.jpeg|thumb|250px|The Rashag at the entrance to [[770]], supported by the Rebbe's personal attendant Reb [[DovBer Junik|Berel Junik]]. Behind him, Reb [[Chanina Shperlin]] can be seen.]]


On Yud Beis Tammuz 5680 (three months after the histalkus of the Rebbe Rashab), his tenaim with the Frierdiker Rebbe's daughter, Rebbetzin Chana, were written. Their chasunah took place on Yud Alef Sivan 5681 in Rostov, in a somber atmosphere without dancing due to the recent histalkus of the Rebbe Rashab.
He was born in [[Kremenchug]], Russia, on Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5658, to the distinguished chassid Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Guraria]]<ref>In his sicha delivered near the first yahrzeit of the Rashag's passing (Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 5750), the Rebbe explained the name of Reb Menachem Mendel, the Rashag's father, noting that "it is known from our Sages that Moshiach's name is Menachem, and also Mendel." See there.</ref> — one of the foremost chassidim of the [[Rebbe Rashab]] — and to Leshine.


Following his marriage, he lived near his father-in-law and became deeply involved in Community work. The Frierdiker Rebbe appointed him as Menahel Poel and Chairman of the Central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshivos, a position he maintained with mesirus nefesh until his final day.
He studied at [[Tomchei Temimim]] yeshiva in Lubavitch.


During his father-in-law's imprisonment, the Rashag was actively involved in pidyon shvuyim efforts. He accompanied the Frierdiker Rebbe from Russia to Riga, Latvia, then to Poland, and later on the Frierdiker Rebbe's visits to Eretz Yisroel in 5689 and to America.
On [[12 Tammuz 5680]]<ref>''Shmuos VeSipurim'', vol. 1, p. 199.</ref> — three months after the [[histalkus]] (passing) of the Rebbe Rashab — the ''tena'im'' (betrothal) between him and the daughter of the [[Rebbe Rayatz]], Marat [[Chana Guraria]], were celebrated. On [[11 Sivan 5681]], their wedding took place in [[Rostov]]. The wedding, held barely a year after the passing of the Rebbe Rashab, took place in a somber atmosphere — there was not even dancing.<ref>''Shmuos VeSipurim'', ibid., p. 201.</ref>


Upon arriving in America with the Frierdiker Rebbe, he settled on the third floor of 770. Following the Frierdiker Rebbe's directive, he would farbreng and say Chassidus every Shabbos at seudah shlishis in 770.
From the time of his marriage, he lived his entire life in close proximity to his father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz, and became deeply involved in communal work. The Rebbe Rayatz appointed him as "Managing Director" and Chairman of the Central Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch yeshiva network worldwide — a position he filled with devotion for many years, until his final day.


After the Frierdiker Rebbe's histalkus and his brother-in-law's assumption of the nesius, the Rashag developed an extraordinarily deep hiskashrus to the Rebbe. He would sit beside the Rebbe at farbrengens, and during hakafos on Simchas Torah, the Rebbe would dance with him during the first and seventh hakafos.
During [[the arrest and liberation of the Rebbe Rayatz]], the Rashag played an active role in the various efforts to secure his release. He accompanied the Rebbe Rayatz when he left Russia for [[Riga]], Latvia, and then for [[Poland]]. He also traveled with his father-in-law on his [[visit to Eretz Yisrael]] in 5689 [1929] and his [[visit to the United States]].


== his hiskashrus to the rebbe ==
Between<ref>The following section is based on an archive of letters in the possession of Rabbi [[Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi]], containing many letters from Rabbi [[Alter Simchovitch]]. The relevant excerpts appeared in the book ''HaRav Ashkenazi''.</ref> Tishrei 5695 and Sivan 5697, he resided — together with his family — in [[Eretz HaKodesh]], living for a period in [[Tel Aviv]] and traveling periodically to Eastern Europe for various occasions, including his son's bar mitzvah, which was held in the presence of the Rebbe Rayatz in [[Warsaw]] in 5696.
The Rashag's deep hiskashrus to the Rebbe after the Frierdiker Rebbe's histalkus was evident in many profound ways. At the Shabbos Parshas Beshalach farbrengen in 5714, he sought the Rebbe's brocha for the yeshiva's dinner without any conditions, and on the first night of Pesach 5729, he requested to be included in the Rebbe's and their father-in-law's (the Frierdiker Rebbe's) Korban Pesach chaburah.


A particularly moving moment occurred at the Acharon Shel Pesach farbrengen of 5713, when the Rashag, slightly After l'chaim, declared to the Rebbe: "It is clear to me that you will lead us toward Moshiach! My brother-in-law is the sole inheritor of the Baal Shem Tov. I give over to you all my kochos as the elder son-in-law. I said this at the Ohel, and I say this now in public. With only one condition - that you support me as our father-in-law did." He also sought mechila from the Rebbe regarding certain events following the Frierdiker Rebbe's histalkus.
From his correspondence during this period it is clear that he was exploring the possibility of establishing an Agudas Chassidei Chabad organization in Eretz Yisrael, working to obtain immigration certificates for Jews from Russia, and purchasing land in various locations. His letters also indicate that he wished to return to Eretz Yisrael permanently — a plan that was apparently overtaken by the outbreak of World War II.<ref>''HaRav Ashkenazi'', vol. 2, pp. 165 ff.</ref>


For many years, the Rashag was unique among the elder Chassidim in that he would stand whenever the Rebbe delivered a maamar k'ein sicha. His profound connection to the Rebbe is further illuminated in a letter he wrote to Reb Shneur Zalman Gurvitz of Montreal in Chof Cheshvan 5738, where he expressed with certainty that all the neshamos in Gan Eden derive great pleasure from seeing how Tomchei Tmimim has expanded in America, with tmimim standing packed in every corner of the beis medrash, entirely focused on absorbing every word from "my brother-in-law, the Rebbe shlita."
When he arrived in the [[United States]] together with the Rebbe Rayatz, his residence was set on the third floor of [[770 Eastern Parkway]]. By the instruction of the Rebbe Rayatz<ref>Given at the time of the Rashag's betrothal.</ref>, the Rashag would farbreng and repeat a ''maamar'' — a formal Chassidic discourse — every Shabbos at ''Reva DeRavin'' (the late Shabbos afternoon gathering) at 770.


Perhaps the most remarkable demonstration of his hiskashrus came during the seforim saga of 5745, when his only son, Sholom Ber, removed seforim from the Lubavitch library. The Rashag strongly opposed this action, leading his wife and son to leave his home. His extraordinary mesirus nefesh and hiskashrus to the Rebbe became evident to all, as he chose to remain alone in his home, maintaining his complete bitul and dedication to the Rebbe despite these painful personal circumstances.
==His Bond with the Rebbe==
[[File:רשג.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rabbi Shmarya Guraria seated in his permanent place at the Rebbe's [[farbrengens]]]]


== his passing ==
After the passing of the [[Rebbe Rayatz]] and the beginning of his brother-in-law [[the Rebbe]]'s leadership, the Rashag attached himself to the Rebbe with his entire being<ref>It is told that at first it was difficult for him to accept the authority of his brother-in-law the Rebbe, who was even younger than him. But among the reasons he cited for his complete self-nullification before the Rebbe was [https://chabad.info/magazine/120404/ the following story], which he later related to Rabbi [[Azriel Zelig Slonim]]: Once he decided to consult his brother-in-law the Rebbe about a certain matter. The Rebbe weighed the issue carefully and said he did not wish to take responsibility for such a matter — but that he was visiting [[the Ohel]] that day and would ask the Rebbe Rayatz there. Said the Rashag: "My brother-in-law the Rebbe — I will not exaggerate. If he said he intended to speak with his father-in-law at the Ohel, then that is what happened. And I know about myself that I am not capable of this — and that is why I am devoted to him with heart and soul."</ref> — and in particular from Purim 5712 onward.
The Rashag was niftar on Shabbos morning, 6 Adar I 5749. The Rebbe participated in the levaya to Montefiore Cemetery, where he was buried near the Ohel of his father-in-law. Throughout the shiva, the Rebbe davened in the Rashag's apartment on the third floor of 770. The Rebbe also instructed that a special Tanya be printed for his aliyas neshama during the shiva and participated in the matzeiva setting on Yud Daled Adar I.


In the farbrengen that Shabbos, the Rebbe addressed his passing when speaking about those who received powers from the Rebbe (Rayatz) to manage Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim.  
At the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Beshalach 5714, he asked the Rebbe for a blessing for a yeshiva dinner with no conditions attached, and the Rebbe replied that he was conveying what he had been told.


== After His Passing ==
On the first night of Pesach 5729, he asked to be included in the Rebbe's ''chaburah'' — the intimate group — for the Pesach Seder, together with their father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz. At the Rebbe's farbrengens, he sat at the Rebbe's side. During the ''Hakafos'' of Simchas Torah — the first and seventh Hakafos of the Rebbe, when the Rebbe would dance on the bimah with a Sefer Torah in hand<ref>Until 5748.</ref> — it was the Rebbe's custom to dance together with the Rashag.<ref>In 5741, the Rashag was hospitalized and could not participate in the Hakafos. When he was later told that the Rebbe had danced alone and not with anyone else, he was greatly pleased. (Told by Rabbi [[Chaim Levi Yitzchak Ginsburg]] — ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', [http://beismoshiachmagazine.org/katavot/2016/2/11/950561573501.html issue 1008].)</ref>
In 1990 - approaching the first yahrtzeit - the Rebbe released a maamar in honor of the yahrtzeit.


At the first yahrtzeit farbrengen which fell on Shabbos, the Rebbe spoke at length about his brother-in-law R' Gurary and explained the lesson learned from his name, "Shmaryahu," and its connection to redemption. He also explained his father's name, "Menachem Mendel," which is the name of Moshiach Tzidkeinu. The Rebbe instructed the Yeshiva administration to arrange a farbrengen for the Tmimim for the yahrtzeit.
At the farbrengen of Acharon Shel Pesach 5713, the Rashag said to the Rebbe — speaking with the candor of one who had drunk a little — :


Following the Rebbe's instruction, the administration arranged a farbrengen every year on the yahrtzeit. The Rebbe gave mashke for the farbrengen and referenced it.
{{quote|It is clear to me that you will lead us toward Moshiach! The sole heir of the Baal Shem Tov is my brother-in-law. I hand over to you all the strengths I possess as the senior son-in-law. I have said this at the Ohel, and I say it now in public. On one condition only — that you keep me as our father-in-law kept me.}}


In 1992, after giving a sicha on the night of 7 Adar I - the Rebbe went down to the dollars distribution area, and there gave a remarkable sicha about R' Gurary and the lesson from his name, "Shmaryahu," which indicates he preserved all matters. The Rebbe said in that sicha that all Tomchei Tmimim students worldwide are his students.
He also asked the Rebbe's forgiveness for some incident that had occurred after the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz.<ref>[http://www.yomanim.com/index.php?title=ניסן_תשי%22ג_-_ר'_יואל_כהן From the diary of Rabbi Yoel Kohn].</ref>


== His Family ==
For many years, the Rashag was the only one among all the elder chassidim standing behind the Rebbe who would rise to his feet when the Rebbe delivered a ''maamar k'ein sicha'' — a discourse in the style of a sicha.


* His wife, Chana Gurary
In a letter sent by the Rashag on 18 Marcheshvan 5738 to Reb [[Shneur Zalman Gurvitch]] of [[Montreal]], he wrote:
* His only son, Shalom DovBer (Barry) Gurary


== Further Reading ==
{{quote|Without any doubt whatsoever, all those in the supernal world in Gan Eden delight in the expansion of Tomchei Temimim in the United States. When you come from time to time to visit my brother-in-law the Rebbe — may the Almighty send him a complete and speedy recovery<ref>The letter was written following the Rebbe's health episode on Shemini Atzeres 5738.</ref> and fulfill all the wishes of his heart for good and blessing and length of good days, amen — he sees with his own eyes the Temimim students standing crowded into every corner of the beis midrash, their eyes and their entire being fixed on listening to the words of my brother-in-law the Rebbe, hanging on every syllable that issues from his holy mouth, always ready with absolute self-sacrifice to spread the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidus outward, to every corner of the world.<ref>The letter was published in ''Kfar Chabad'', issue 374, p. 23.</ref>}}


* "My brother-in-law, the Rebbe shlita" - Comprehensive overview of R' Gurary and his bitul to the Rebbe
When his only son, [[Shalom DovBer Guraria]], [[The Books Trial|stole the books]] from the [[Lubavitch Library]] in 5745 [1985], the Rashag opposed this act. As a result, both his wife [[Chana Guraria]] and his son left his home.
* From Beis Moshiach weekly, "My Brother-in-law shlita - The connection between R' Gurary and the Rebbe", 6 Adar 1983
 
* R' Mordechai Menashe Laufer, Brother-in-law of the Nasi's house
This was a wondrous display of ''mesirat nefesh'' and an immense bond with the Rebbe — it became plain for all to see that even though his wife and son had left him over their dispute concerning the Rebbe, he remained alone in his home, out of his complete self-nullification and devotion.
* Shneur Zalman Levin, Son-in-law and brother-in-law of the Nasi's house - from Beis Moshiach weekly
 
==Passing==
[[File:הרשג 2.jpg|right|thumb|180px|The Rashag's tziyun near [[the Ohel]] — New York]]
[[File:מכתב רש''ג לרבי.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A letter from the Rashag to the Rebbe, written before he returned home on Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5738: "...Since I have heard that my brother-in-law the Rebbe will return home today — in good health — I hereby wish..."]]
[[File:הרבי על ציון רשג.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Rebbe at the Rashag's tziyun]]
 
In his final years the Rashag was ill and frail, and bochurim from the Central Tomchei Temimim yeshiva at 770 attended to his needs.
 
On the morning of Shabbos Kodesh, 6 Adar I 5749, the Rashag passed away. At the farbrengen that Shabbos, the Rebbe made reference to his passing, speaking of those who had received from the Rebbe Rayatz the strength to lead the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva.<ref>[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=15997&st=&pgnum=355&hilite= Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 6 Adar I 5749].</ref> The next day, his funeral was held at [[Montefiore Cemetery]], where he was interred beside the [[Ohel]] of his father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz. The Rebbe attended the funeral, and afterward offered condolences to his son, and then entered the Ohel.
 
===After His Passing===
Throughout the seven days of mourning, the Rebbe davened in the Rashag's apartment on the third floor of 770. He also instructed that a special edition of the [[Tanya]] be printed for the elevation of his soul, and that the printing be completed within the seven days of shiva. On Sunday, 14 Adar I (Purim Katan), the matzevah was erected over his grave. The Rebbe addressed this the previous day at the Shabbos farbrengen,<ref>[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=15997&st=&pgnum=373&hilite= Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Tetzaveh, Erev Purim Katan 5749].</ref> and he attended the matzevah-setting ceremony.
 
In 5750 [1990], in advance of the first yahrzeit, the Rebbe published a ''maamar'' in honor of the occasion.<ref>The maamar ''Kol Yisroel'' 5733, printed in ''Sefer HaMaamarim Melukat'', vol. 4.</ref>
 
At the farbrengen of the first yahrzeit — which fell on Shabbos — the Rebbe spoke at length about his brother-in-law the Rashag, and explained the lesson to be drawn from his name, "Shmarya" — meaning "G-d has guarded" — and its connection to the theme of the [[Redemption]]. He also explained his father's name, "Menachem Mendel," which is the name of ''Moshiach Tzidkeinu'' — our righteous Moshiach. The Rebbe instructed the yeshiva administration to hold a farbrengen for the Temimim students on the yahrzeit.<ref>[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=15990&st=&pgnum=357&hilite= Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 6 Adar 5750].</ref>
 
In accordance with the Rebbe's instruction, the administration held a farbrengen each year on the yahrzeit. The Rebbe would provide ''mashke'' — spirits — for the farbrengen and make reference to the occasion.<ref>See [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=15968&st=&pgnum=331&hilite= Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 2 Adar 5751].</ref>
 
In 5752 [1992], after a sicha the Rebbe delivered on the night of 7 Adar I, the Rebbe descended to the place where he distributed dollars, and there delivered a remarkable sicha about the Rashag and the lesson of his name — "Shmarya," meaning he who preserved and safeguarded everything. The Rebbe added in that sicha that all the students of Tomchei Temimim in every corner of the world are his students.<ref>[http://www.770live.com/en770/sichos.asp?id=5213070B&gif=_64 Audio of the sicha from 7 Adar I 5752].</ref>
 
In 5775 [2015], a new [[Sefer Torah]] was written and brought into [[770]] for the elevation of the Rashag's soul.<ref>[https://old2.ih.chabad.info/#!g=1&url=article&id=85237 "770: Hachnosas Sefer Torah for the Soul of the Rashag"] — Chabad Info.</ref>
 
==His Family==
* His wife: [[Chana Guraria|Chana '''Gurary''']]
* His son: [[Shalom DovBer (Berel) Guraria|Shalom DovBer (Berel) '''Gurary''']]
 
==Further Reading==
* [http://chabad.info/magazine/כבוד-קדושת-גיסי-אדמור-שליטא-•-סקירה-מ/ "'Kevod Kedushas Gisi Admor Shlita' — A Comprehensive Survey of Rabbi Guraria and His Self-Nullification Before the Rebbe"] — Chabad Info
* [https://chabad.info/magazine/453329/ "Gisi Shlita — The Bond Between the Rashag and the Rebbe"] — from ''Beis Moshiach Weekly'', 6 Adar 5783
* Rabbi [[Mordechai Menasha Laufer]], [http://www.chabad.org.il/Magazines/Article.asp?ArticleID=1869&CategoryID=651 "Gisa D'Bei Nesiya'ah"]
* Shneur Zalman Levin, [https://chabad.info/magazine/453329/ "Chassana VeGisa D'Bei Nesiya'ah"] — from ''Beis Moshiach Weekly''
 
==External Links==
;Photographs:
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=59695 Rabbi Guraria at the Ohel of his father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz] — Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=58467 Rabbi Guraria at the Chanukah menorah lighting] — Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=26834 A collection of photographs of Rabbi Guraria] — Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/images/originalsize/891/89059.jpg A pidyon nefesh sent by Rabbi Guraria to the Rebbe] — Erev 10 Shevat 5734, Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=19162 Rabbi Guraria asks the Rebbe to add a verse to ''Atah Horeisa''] — a letter sent to the Rebbe on Hoshana Rabbah 5742, Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/#!g=1&url=article&id=80216 Gallery from the matzevah-setting ceremony] — Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/#!g=1&url=article&id=80226 The Rashag and Shazar] — Chabad Info
 
;Video:
* [http://chabad.info/newvideo/video.php?id=1814 The erection of the Rashag's matzevah] (14 Adar I 5749) — Chabad Info
* [http://old2.ih.chabad.info/index.php?url=article_he&id=63932 Rabbi Guraria receiving ''mashke'' from the Rebbe] — 13 Elul 5742, Chabad Info
* [https://col.org.il/news/116933 The Rebbe davening in the Rashag's home] — COL.org.il
* [http://chabad.info/video/rebbe/מתחברים-יום-יום/ו-אדר-א-שיחת-קודש-על-הרשג-עה/ The Rebbe's sicha about Rabbi Guraria] — night of 7 Adar I 5752, Chabad Info
* [http://www.col.org.il/show_news.rtx?artID=109648 Video of the Rashag's funeral and burial, with the Rebbe and chassidim in attendance] — COL.org.il
* Rabbi Chaim Dalfin, [https://sinun770.org/יארצייט-ו-אדר-הרהח-הרשג-גיס-הרבי-עבודת/ "Yahrzeit 6 Adar — the Rashag, the Rebbe's Brother-in-Law: His Avodah, his Repetition of Maamarim, his Bittul Before the Rebbe, 'and His Greatest Chassid'"] — Sinun Chabad YouTube filter
 
== References ==
<references/>
 
[[he:שמריהו גוראריה]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Beis HaRav]]

Latest revision as of 17:03, 4 June 2026

Rabbi Shmarya Gurary (1 Kislev 5658 – 6 Adar I 5749; known by the acronym the Rashag) was the son-in-law of the Rebbe Rayatz, the brother-in-law of the Rebbe, and the director of the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva network. On Shemini Atzeres 5731, the Rebbe appointed him as the "baal habayis" — the designated steward[1] — for the country of Egypt (which he had visited together with the Rebbe Rayatz).

Life[edit | edit source]

The Rebbe offering mashke to the Rashag during a farbrengen
The Rashag at the entrance to 770, supported by the Rebbe's personal attendant Reb Berel Junik. Behind him, Reb Chanina Shperlin can be seen.

He was born in Kremenchug, Russia, on Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5658, to the distinguished chassid Rabbi Menachem Mendel Guraria[2] — one of the foremost chassidim of the Rebbe Rashab — and to Leshine.

He studied at Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in Lubavitch.

On 12 Tammuz 5680[3] — three months after the histalkus (passing) of the Rebbe Rashab — the tena'im (betrothal) between him and the daughter of the Rebbe Rayatz, Marat Chana Guraria, were celebrated. On 11 Sivan 5681, their wedding took place in Rostov. The wedding, held barely a year after the passing of the Rebbe Rashab, took place in a somber atmosphere — there was not even dancing.[4]

From the time of his marriage, he lived his entire life in close proximity to his father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz, and became deeply involved in communal work. The Rebbe Rayatz appointed him as "Managing Director" and Chairman of the Central Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch yeshiva network worldwide — a position he filled with devotion for many years, until his final day.

During the arrest and liberation of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rashag played an active role in the various efforts to secure his release. He accompanied the Rebbe Rayatz when he left Russia for Riga, Latvia, and then for Poland. He also traveled with his father-in-law on his visit to Eretz Yisrael in 5689 [1929] and his visit to the United States.

Between[5] Tishrei 5695 and Sivan 5697, he resided — together with his family — in Eretz HaKodesh, living for a period in Tel Aviv and traveling periodically to Eastern Europe for various occasions, including his son's bar mitzvah, which was held in the presence of the Rebbe Rayatz in Warsaw in 5696.

From his correspondence during this period it is clear that he was exploring the possibility of establishing an Agudas Chassidei Chabad organization in Eretz Yisrael, working to obtain immigration certificates for Jews from Russia, and purchasing land in various locations. His letters also indicate that he wished to return to Eretz Yisrael permanently — a plan that was apparently overtaken by the outbreak of World War II.[6]

When he arrived in the United States together with the Rebbe Rayatz, his residence was set on the third floor of 770 Eastern Parkway. By the instruction of the Rebbe Rayatz[7], the Rashag would farbreng and repeat a maamar — a formal Chassidic discourse — every Shabbos at Reva DeRavin (the late Shabbos afternoon gathering) at 770.

His Bond with the Rebbe[edit | edit source]

Rabbi Shmarya Guraria seated in his permanent place at the Rebbe's farbrengens

After the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz and the beginning of his brother-in-law the Rebbe's leadership, the Rashag attached himself to the Rebbe with his entire being[8] — and in particular from Purim 5712 onward.

At the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Beshalach 5714, he asked the Rebbe for a blessing for a yeshiva dinner with no conditions attached, and the Rebbe replied that he was conveying what he had been told.

On the first night of Pesach 5729, he asked to be included in the Rebbe's chaburah — the intimate group — for the Pesach Seder, together with their father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz. At the Rebbe's farbrengens, he sat at the Rebbe's side. During the Hakafos of Simchas Torah — the first and seventh Hakafos of the Rebbe, when the Rebbe would dance on the bimah with a Sefer Torah in hand[9] — it was the Rebbe's custom to dance together with the Rashag.[10]

At the farbrengen of Acharon Shel Pesach 5713, the Rashag said to the Rebbe — speaking with the candor of one who had drunk a little — :

It is clear to me that you will lead us toward Moshiach! The sole heir of the Baal Shem Tov is my brother-in-law. I hand over to you all the strengths I possess as the senior son-in-law. I have said this at the Ohel, and I say it now in public. On one condition only — that you keep me as our father-in-law kept me.

He also asked the Rebbe's forgiveness for some incident that had occurred after the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz.[11]

For many years, the Rashag was the only one among all the elder chassidim standing behind the Rebbe who would rise to his feet when the Rebbe delivered a maamar k'ein sicha — a discourse in the style of a sicha.

In a letter sent by the Rashag on 18 Marcheshvan 5738 to Reb Shneur Zalman Gurvitch of Montreal, he wrote:

Without any doubt whatsoever, all those in the supernal world in Gan Eden delight in the expansion of Tomchei Temimim in the United States. When you come from time to time to visit my brother-in-law the Rebbe — may the Almighty send him a complete and speedy recovery[12] and fulfill all the wishes of his heart for good and blessing and length of good days, amen — he sees with his own eyes the Temimim students standing crowded into every corner of the beis midrash, their eyes and their entire being fixed on listening to the words of my brother-in-law the Rebbe, hanging on every syllable that issues from his holy mouth, always ready with absolute self-sacrifice to spread the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidus outward, to every corner of the world.[13]

When his only son, Shalom DovBer Guraria, stole the books from the Lubavitch Library in 5745 [1985], the Rashag opposed this act. As a result, both his wife Chana Guraria and his son left his home.

This was a wondrous display of mesirat nefesh and an immense bond with the Rebbe — it became plain for all to see that even though his wife and son had left him over their dispute concerning the Rebbe, he remained alone in his home, out of his complete self-nullification and devotion.

Passing[edit | edit source]

The Rashag's tziyun near the Ohel — New York
A letter from the Rashag to the Rebbe, written before he returned home on Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5738: "...Since I have heard that my brother-in-law the Rebbe will return home today — in good health — I hereby wish..."
The Rebbe at the Rashag's tziyun

In his final years the Rashag was ill and frail, and bochurim from the Central Tomchei Temimim yeshiva at 770 attended to his needs.

On the morning of Shabbos Kodesh, 6 Adar I 5749, the Rashag passed away. At the farbrengen that Shabbos, the Rebbe made reference to his passing, speaking of those who had received from the Rebbe Rayatz the strength to lead the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva.[14] The next day, his funeral was held at Montefiore Cemetery, where he was interred beside the Ohel of his father-in-law the Rebbe Rayatz. The Rebbe attended the funeral, and afterward offered condolences to his son, and then entered the Ohel.

After His Passing[edit | edit source]

Throughout the seven days of mourning, the Rebbe davened in the Rashag's apartment on the third floor of 770. He also instructed that a special edition of the Tanya be printed for the elevation of his soul, and that the printing be completed within the seven days of shiva. On Sunday, 14 Adar I (Purim Katan), the matzevah was erected over his grave. The Rebbe addressed this the previous day at the Shabbos farbrengen,[15] and he attended the matzevah-setting ceremony.

In 5750 [1990], in advance of the first yahrzeit, the Rebbe published a maamar in honor of the occasion.[16]

At the farbrengen of the first yahrzeit — which fell on Shabbos — the Rebbe spoke at length about his brother-in-law the Rashag, and explained the lesson to be drawn from his name, "Shmarya" — meaning "G-d has guarded" — and its connection to the theme of the Redemption. He also explained his father's name, "Menachem Mendel," which is the name of Moshiach Tzidkeinu — our righteous Moshiach. The Rebbe instructed the yeshiva administration to hold a farbrengen for the Temimim students on the yahrzeit.[17]

In accordance with the Rebbe's instruction, the administration held a farbrengen each year on the yahrzeit. The Rebbe would provide mashke — spirits — for the farbrengen and make reference to the occasion.[18]

In 5752 [1992], after a sicha the Rebbe delivered on the night of 7 Adar I, the Rebbe descended to the place where he distributed dollars, and there delivered a remarkable sicha about the Rashag and the lesson of his name — "Shmarya," meaning he who preserved and safeguarded everything. The Rebbe added in that sicha that all the students of Tomchei Temimim in every corner of the world are his students.[19]

In 5775 [2015], a new Sefer Torah was written and brought into 770 for the elevation of the Rashag's soul.[20]

His Family[edit | edit source]

Further Reading[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Photographs
Video

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ See at length the article on the Chassidic UN.
  2. ↑ In his sicha delivered near the first yahrzeit of the Rashag's passing (Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 5750), the Rebbe explained the name of Reb Menachem Mendel, the Rashag's father, noting that "it is known from our Sages that Moshiach's name is Menachem, and also Mendel." See there.
  3. ↑ Shmuos VeSipurim, vol. 1, p. 199.
  4. ↑ Shmuos VeSipurim, ibid., p. 201.
  5. ↑ The following section is based on an archive of letters in the possession of Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi, containing many letters from Rabbi Alter Simchovitch. The relevant excerpts appeared in the book HaRav Ashkenazi.
  6. ↑ HaRav Ashkenazi, vol. 2, pp. 165 ff.
  7. ↑ Given at the time of the Rashag's betrothal.
  8. ↑ It is told that at first it was difficult for him to accept the authority of his brother-in-law the Rebbe, who was even younger than him. But among the reasons he cited for his complete self-nullification before the Rebbe was the following story, which he later related to Rabbi Azriel Zelig Slonim: Once he decided to consult his brother-in-law the Rebbe about a certain matter. The Rebbe weighed the issue carefully and said he did not wish to take responsibility for such a matter — but that he was visiting the Ohel that day and would ask the Rebbe Rayatz there. Said the Rashag: "My brother-in-law the Rebbe — I will not exaggerate. If he said he intended to speak with his father-in-law at the Ohel, then that is what happened. And I know about myself that I am not capable of this — and that is why I am devoted to him with heart and soul."
  9. ↑ Until 5748.
  10. ↑ In 5741, the Rashag was hospitalized and could not participate in the Hakafos. When he was later told that the Rebbe had danced alone and not with anyone else, he was greatly pleased. (Told by Rabbi Chaim Levi Yitzchak Ginsburg — Beis Moshiach Weekly, issue 1008.)
  11. ↑ From the diary of Rabbi Yoel Kohn.
  12. ↑ The letter was written following the Rebbe's health episode on Shemini Atzeres 5738.
  13. ↑ The letter was published in Kfar Chabad, issue 374, p. 23.
  14. ↑ Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 6 Adar I 5749.
  15. ↑ Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Tetzaveh, Erev Purim Katan 5749.
  16. ↑ The maamar Kol Yisroel 5733, printed in Sefer HaMaamarim Melukat, vol. 4.
  17. ↑ Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 6 Adar 5750.
  18. ↑ See Sicha of Shabbos Parshas Terumah, 2 Adar 5751.
  19. ↑ Audio of the sicha from 7 Adar I 5752.
  20. ↑ "770: Hachnosas Sefer Torah for the Soul of the Rashag" — Chabad Info.

index.php?title=Category:Beis HaRav

Retrieved from "https://chabadpedia.com/index.php?title=Shemaryahu_Gurary&oldid=16022"