The Rebbe: Difference between revisions
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[[File:לערך הרבי שליט"א.png|250px|thumb|right|the Rebbe]] | [[File:לערך הרבי שליט"א.png|250px|thumb|right|the Rebbe Shlita]] | ||
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (in [[Yiddish]]: Schneersohn; known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe and in Chabad simply as the Rebbe) was born on 11 Nissan 5662 (1902<ref>The Rebbe's birthday became known to the chassidim for the first time during his visit to Paris, when on 11 Nissan his mother Rebbetzin Chana approached a group of chassidim, among them Rabbi Bentzion Shem Tov, and suggested that they ask the Rebbe to hold a farbrengen in honor of his birthday - and indeed the Rebbe agreed and held a farbrengen (Yemei Melech part 3, p. 997)</ref>). He is a spiritual leader whose influence encompassed the entire world and particularly the Jewish people. . Among his notable activities were the establishment of the Shlichus (emissary) enterprise and the Ten Mitzvah Campaigns he initiated, aiming to bring Judaism to every single Jew. His actions, words, and influence emphasized the anticipation of Moshiach and activities to hasten the Redemption. | Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (in [[Yiddish]]: Schneersohn; known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe MH"M Shlita and in Chabad simply as the Rebbe) was born on 11 Nissan 5662 (1902<ref>The Rebbe's birthday became known to the chassidim for the first time during his visit to Paris, when on 11 Nissan his mother Rebbetzin Chana approached a group of chassidim, among them Rabbi Bentzion Shem Tov, and suggested that they ask the Rebbe to hold a farbrengen in honor of his birthday - and indeed the Rebbe agreed and held a farbrengen (Yemei Melech part 3, p. 997)</ref>). He is a spiritual leader whose influence encompassed the entire world and particularly the Jewish people. . Among his notable activities were the establishment of the Shlichus (emissary) enterprise and the Ten Mitzvah Campaigns he initiated, aiming to bring Judaism to every single Jew. His actions, words, and influence emphasized the anticipation of Moshiach and activities to hasten the Redemption. | ||
== Life History == | == Life History == | ||
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After his father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, was appointed Chief Rabbi of Dnepropetrovsk (formerly Yekaterinoslav) in 1909, the family moved there. | After his father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, was appointed Chief Rabbi of Dnepropetrovsk (formerly Yekaterinoslav) in 1909, the family moved there. | ||
[[File:הרבי בילדותו.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe in His Youth]] | [[File:הרבי בילדותו.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita in His Youth]] | ||
From a very young age, the Rebbe became known for his diligence and extraordinary memory. His time was mostly dedicated to a comprehensive study of all parts of the Torah—both revealed and hidden. His main guide in learning was his father. The Rebbe described his childhood years as the time when his worldview took shape, which he later applied throughout his life, especially as a Rebbe. In a rare letter to Mr. Yitzchak Ben Zvi, he described his thoughts as a child:<blockquote>“From the time I started going to 'cheder' and even before that, the image of the future redemption began to form in my imagination—the redemption of the Jewish people from their final exile | From a very young age, the Rebbe became known for his diligence and extraordinary memory. His time was mostly dedicated to a comprehensive study of all parts of the Torah—both revealed and hidden. His main guide in learning was his father. The Rebbe described his childhood years as the time when his worldview took shape, which he later applied throughout his life, especially as a Rebbe. In a rare letter to Mr. Yitzchak Ben Zvi, he described his thoughts as a child:<blockquote>“From the time I started going to 'cheder' and even before that, the image of the future redemption began to form in my imagination—the redemption of the Jewish people from their final exile | ||
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==== Berlin ==== | ==== Berlin ==== | ||
On the 10th of Shvat, 1929, the Rebbe left Latvia and moved to Berlin, where he established his residence with his wife, Chaya Mushka. Following his father-in-law's instructions, the Rebbe began academic studies at the University of Berlin. | On the 10th of Shvat, 1929, the Rebbe left Latvia and moved to Berlin, where he established his residence with his wife, Chaya Mushka. Following his father-in-law's instructions, the Rebbe began academic studies at the University of Berlin. | ||
[[File:הרבי צרפת.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe in Paris Around 1937]] | [[File:הרבי צרפת.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita in Paris Around 1937]] | ||
During his time in Berlin, he made several trips to visit the Rebbe Rayatz in Riga. He also visited the Rebbe Rayatz’s court in Tishrei 1930, when the Rebbe Rayatz traveled to the United States, where the Rebbe met with Chassidim. | During his time in Berlin, he made several trips to visit the Rebbe Rayatz in Riga. He also visited the Rebbe Rayatz’s court in Tishrei 1930, when the Rebbe Rayatz traveled to the United States, where the Rebbe met with Chassidim. | ||
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==== During World War II ==== | ==== During World War II ==== | ||
In the winter of 1939, Chabad in the United States, by the Rebbe Rayatz’s instructions, began lobbying with high-level officials to obtain entry visas for the Rebbe and his wife to the United States. The request was submitted at the American Consulate in Paris. However, due to the war, communication was difficult, and it was unclear whether the visa had been granted. | In the winter of 1939, Chabad in the United States, by the Rebbe Rayatz’s instructions, began lobbying with high-level officials to obtain entry visas for the Rebbe and his wife to the United States. The request was submitted at the American Consulate in Paris. However, due to the war, communication was difficult, and it was unclear whether the visa had been granted. | ||
[[File:תשב.JPG|thumb|The Rebbe, after his arrival in the United States, with the Rebbe Rayatz, (5702/1942)]] | [[File:תשב.JPG|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita , after his arrival in the United States, with the Rebbe Rayatz, (5702/1942)]] | ||
In 1940, just before Shavuot (after the Germans had already entered France and the Rebbe had not yet received the U.S. visa), the Rebbe and his wife left the city and traveled to southern France, an area not yet occupied by the Germans. On the evening of Shavuot, they arrived in the city of Vichy. In late summer 1940, they moved from Vichy to Nice, where they lived for eight to nine months until the summer of 1941. Meanwhile, efforts to secure visas continued. On the 20th of Nisan 1941, the visas were received in Marseille, and from there, the Rebbe and his wife made their way to Lisbon, Portugal. | In 1940, just before Shavuot (after the Germans had already entered France and the Rebbe had not yet received the U.S. visa), the Rebbe and his wife left the city and traveled to southern France, an area not yet occupied by the Germans. On the evening of Shavuot, they arrived in the city of Vichy. In late summer 1940, they moved from Vichy to Nice, where they lived for eight to nine months until the summer of 1941. Meanwhile, efforts to secure visas continued. On the 20th of Nisan 1941, the visas were received in Marseille, and from there, the Rebbe and his wife made their way to Lisbon, Portugal. | ||
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==== In the United States ==== | ==== In the United States ==== | ||
Upon his arrival in the United States, the Rebbe began assisting his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz, in all of his activities, particularly his efforts to establish America as a center of Torah and Chassidus. In 1942, the Rebbe Rayatz appointed him as the chairman of the central Chabad institutions: | Upon his arrival in the United States, the Rebbe began assisting his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rayatz, in all of his activities, particularly his efforts to establish America as a center of Torah and Chassidus. In 1942, the Rebbe Rayatz appointed him as the chairman of the central Chabad institutions: | ||
[[File:בצעירותו.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe during his university studies]] | [[File:בצעירותו.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita during his university studies]] | ||
* Machne Yisroel | * Machne Yisroel | ||
* merkoz linyonei chinuch | * merkoz linyonei chinuch | ||
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In 1943, the Rebbe was also appointed as the chief editor of [[Kehos|Kehot's]] publications. | In 1943, the Rebbe was also appointed as the chief editor of [[Kehos|Kehot's]] publications. | ||
[[File:שחמט.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe playing chess with the Rebbe Rayatz at the health resort town of Purkersdorf in the year (5697/1937)]] | [[File:שחמט.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita playing chess with the Rebbe Rayatz at the health resort town of Purkersdorf in the year (5697/1937)]] | ||
During those years, the Rebbe also worked as a ship engineer in the U.S. Navy. | During those years, the Rebbe also worked as a ship engineer in the U.S. Navy. | ||
[[File:Ship.jpg|thumb|The ship 'Serpa Pinto' on which the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin sailed from Portugal to New York]] | [[File:Ship.jpg|thumb|The ship 'Serpa Pinto' on which the Rebbe Shlita and the Rebbetzin sailed from Portugal to New York]] | ||
==== Activities Toward Accepting Leadership ==== | ==== Activities Toward Accepting Leadership ==== | ||
''Extended article - [[The Rebbe Accepting The Nesius|The Rebbe's Acceptance of Leadership]]'' | ''Extended article - [[The Rebbe Accepting The Nesius|The Rebbe's Acceptance of Leadership]]'' | ||
After 10 Shevat 5710 (1950), when news spread of the passing of the Previous Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn), the Chassidim began discussing the need to appoint his son-in-law, the Rebbe (then known as "The RaMaSh"), as his successor. | After 10 Shevat 5710 (1950), when news spread of the passing of the Previous Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn), the Chassidim began discussing the need to appoint his son-in-law, the Rebbe (then known as "The RaMaSh"), as his successor. | ||
[[File:תשיב.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe at a farbrengen in the same place where he accepted the leadership, (5712/1952)]] | [[File:תשיב.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita at a farbrengen in the same place where he accepted the leadership, (5712/1952)]] | ||
Extensive activity was undertaken by Chassidim worldwide to encourage the Rebbe to accept the leadership. The activity was led by prominent Chassidim across the globe: | Extensive activity was undertaken by Chassidim worldwide to encourage the Rebbe to accept the leadership. The activity was led by prominent Chassidim across the globe: | ||
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At the gathering of 10 Shevat 5711, and especially in the discourse "Basi LeGani," the Rebbe emphasized his purpose in the world - to bring about the redemption and revelation of Moshiach speedily. | At the gathering of 10 Shevat 5711, and especially in the discourse "Basi LeGani," the Rebbe emphasized his purpose in the world - to bring about the redemption and revelation of Moshiach speedily. | ||
[[File:הרבי.jpeg|thumb|The Rebbe]] | [[File:הרבי.jpeg|thumb|The Rebbe Shlita ]] | ||
During the Purim gathering in 5711, held several weeks after accepting leadership, the Rebbe began speaking about himself and his leadership, stating "I am only a pipeline," "One must be connected to the Rebbe, I am only filling a position in one aspect." Among other things, he said: "After the passing of the Rebbe RaShaB, the Previous Rebbe once said that he doesn't say 'may his soul rest in Eden' about his father, because why say 'may his soul rest in Eden' when it's easier and better to say 'his soul is within me.' The same applies to the Rebbe – I don't say 'may his soul rest in Eden,' but rather 'his soul is within me'!" | During the Purim gathering in 5711, held several weeks after accepting leadership, the Rebbe began speaking about himself and his leadership, stating "I am only a pipeline," "One must be connected to the Rebbe, I am only filling a position in one aspect." Among other things, he said: "After the passing of the Rebbe RaShaB, the Previous Rebbe once said that he doesn't say 'may his soul rest in Eden' about his father, because why say 'may his soul rest in Eden' when it's easier and better to say 'his soul is within me.' The same applies to the Rebbe – I don't say 'may his soul rest in Eden,' but rather 'his soul is within me'!" | ||