The Alter Rebbe: Difference between revisions

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."

[[File:אדמור הזקן - תמונה קטנה.jpg|thumb|Portrait of the Alter Rebbe]]

{{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."

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.

== 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.

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.

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.”

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 Alter Rebbe’s Passing ==

==== 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.