The Alter Rebbe: Difference between revisions
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== In Mezeritch == | == In Mezeritch == | ||
Although the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, did not meet the Baal Shem Tov except at his upsherin at the age of three, he referred to the Baal Shem Tov as his spiritual grandfather. He remarked, "Reb Boruch of Medzhybizh is the Baal Shem Tov's physical grandson, and I am his spiritual grandson." This statement can be explained in two ways: either through his first teacher, Rabbi Yissachar Ber of Lubavitch, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, or through his primary teacher, the Maggid of Mezeritch, who was one of the foremost students of the Baal Shem Tov. | Although the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, did not meet [[the Baal Shem Tov]] except at his upsherin at the age of three, he referred to the Baal Shem Tov as his spiritual grandfather. He remarked, "Reb Boruch of Medzhybizh is the Baal Shem Tov's physical grandson, and I am his spiritual grandson." This statement can be explained in two ways: either through his first teacher, Rabbi Yissachar Ber of Lubavitch, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, or through his primary teacher, the Maggid of Mezeritch, who was one of the foremost students of the Baal Shem Tov. | ||
After Pesach in the year 5524 (1764), with his wife's consent, he embarked on fulfilling the teaching "Exile yourself to a place of Torah." | After Pesach in the year 5524 (1764), with his wife's consent, he embarked on fulfilling the teaching "Exile yourself to a place of Torah." | ||
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In the year 5536 (1776), the Alter Rebbe established "Chadorim" (study groups) in Liozna, attracting young scholars from the entire region who devoted themselves to Torah study under the guidance and structure laid out by the Alter Rebbe. It was during this period that the Alter Rebbe's leadership began to take on the unique character of Chabad, which became increasingly defined over time. Before long, news spread that a new branch of Chassidus had emerged—Chabad Chassidus. | In the year 5536 (1776), the Alter Rebbe established "Chadorim" (study groups) in Liozna, attracting young scholars from the entire region who devoted themselves to Torah study under the guidance and structure laid out by the Alter Rebbe. It was during this period that the Alter Rebbe's leadership began to take on the unique character of Chabad, which became increasingly defined over time. Before long, news spread that a new branch of Chassidus had emerged—Chabad Chassidus. | ||
== The Move to Liozna == | == The Move to [[Liozna]] == | ||
During this period, the Alter Rebbe received offers to serve as the Rabbi of Vitebsk and Liozna. He chose Liozna after its residents agreed to his condition that they provide for the financial needs of himself, his three brothers and their families, the young scholars and students of the "Chadorim," as well as visiting Chassidim from Russia and Lithuania. In Elul 5536 (1776), the Alter Rebbe set out for Liozna, arriving there in Shevat 5538 (1778). | During this period, the Alter Rebbe received offers to serve as the Rabbi of Vitebsk and Liozna. He chose Liozna after its residents agreed to his condition that they provide for the financial needs of himself, his three brothers and their families, the young scholars and students of the "Chadorim," as well as visiting Chassidim from Russia and Lithuania. In Elul 5536 (1776), the Alter Rebbe set out for Liozna, arriving there in Shevat 5538 (1778). | ||
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== Reb Menachem Mendel Departs for Eretz Yisrael == | == Reb Menachem Mendel Departs for Eretz Yisrael == | ||
In the year 5537 (1777), Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk and approximately three hundred Chassidic families embarked on the journey to Eretz Yisrael. Before leaving, Reb Menachem Mendel appointed the Alter Rebbe as the leader of the Chassidim in Russia and Lithuania. He gave him the responsibility of spreading the teachings of Chassidus and guiding the Chassidim in their service of Hashem. | In the year 5537 (1777), [[Reb Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk]] and approximately three hundred Chassidic families embarked on the journey to Eretz Yisrael. Before leaving, Reb Menachem Mendel appointed the Alter Rebbe as the leader of the Chassidim in Russia and Lithuania. He gave him the responsibility of spreading the teachings of Chassidus and guiding the Chassidim in their service of Hashem. | ||
Following his arrival in Eretz Yisrael, Reb Menachem Mendel remained in close contact with the Alter Rebbe and his Chassidim. He encouraged them to rely on the Alter Rebbe for all spiritual guidance and leadership, referring to him as “the great and awesome one, the light of Israel.” | Following his arrival in Eretz Yisrael, Reb Menachem Mendel remained in close contact with the Alter Rebbe and his Chassidim. He encouraged them to rely on the Alter Rebbe for all spiritual guidance and leadership, referring to him as “the great and awesome one, the light of Israel.” | ||
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== His Family == | == His Family == | ||
* His daughter, Rebbetzin Freida - married Rabbi Eliyahu Klutzker | * His daughter, [[Rebbetzin Freida Kluzker|Rebbetzin Freida]] - married Rabbi Eliyahu Klutzker | ||
* His daughter, Rebbetzin Devorah Leah - married Rabbi Shalom Shachna Altshuler | * His daughter, [[Rebbetzin Devorah Leah Altshuler|Rebbetzin Devorah Leah]] - married [[Rabbi Shalom Shachna Altshuler]] | ||
* His daughter, Rebbetzin Rachel - married Rabbi Avraham Sheines | * His daughter, Rebbetzin Rachel - married Rabbi Avraham Sheines | ||
* His son, Rabbi DovBer, the Mitteler Rebbe - married Rebbetzin Sheina Schneuri | * His son, Rabbi DovBer, [[the Mitteler Rebbe]] - married [[Rebbetzin Sheina]] Schneuri | ||
* His son, Rabbi Chaim Avraham | * His son, [[Rabbi Chaim Avraham Schneuri|Rabbi Chaim Avraham]] | ||
* His son, Rabbi Moshe - married Mrs. Shifra Schneuri of the Rivlin family | * His son, [[Rabbi Moshe Shneuri|Rabbi Moshe]] - married Mrs. Shifra Schneuri of the Rivlin family | ||
== His Lineage == | == His Lineage == | ||
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* 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) | ||
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====== 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]]. | ||
It is not known with certainty whether the original portrait was drawn in black lead, as it is known from the prints, or in color. The earliest surviving item from the original portrait is a copy from the first printing of the portrait, in large format. It was made by R' Shmarya Schneerson and is currently preserved in the Lubavitch Library. | It is not known with certainty whether the original portrait was drawn in black lead, as it is known from the prints, or in color. The earliest surviving item from the original portrait is a copy from the first printing of the portrait, in large format. It was made by R' Shmarya Schneerson and is currently preserved in the Lubavitch Library. | ||
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# Keli Atah | # Keli Atah | ||
# Arba Bavos | # Arba Bavos | ||
# Bnei Heichala | # [[Niggun Bnei Heichala|Bnei Heichala]] | ||
# K'Ayal Taarog | # K'Ayal Taarog | ||
# Lecha Dodi | # Lecha Dodi | ||