Shalom Dov Ber Schneerson of Retzitza

Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber Schneerson of Retzitza (5594 / 1834 - 16 Tishrei 5669 / 1908) was an Rebbe in the Chabad Kapost Chassidic dynasty, the third in this lineage, and served as rabbi in the city of Retzitza.

Life History

He was born in 5594 / 1834 in the town of Lubavitch to his father Rebbe Yehuda Leib Schneerson.

The The Rebbe The Tzemach Tzedek was very close to him and would study Tanya with him daily.

After the passing of the The Rebbe The Tzemach Tzedek, he moved together with his father to the town of Kapost. After his father's passing, he remained in Kapost and was connected to his brother Rebbe Shlomo Zalman, but despite this, he began conducting himself as an Rebbe already during his brother's lifetime.

After several years, he was appointed as the rabbi of the city of Retzitza. The Rashda"b was known as a distinguished halachic authority, and his responsa were published in many journals. The Rashda"b merited teaching students who later became among the greatest rabbis in Russia and Poland. He ordained Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin and many others. The thinker Rabbi Hillel Zeitlin was also among his students.

After his brother's passing, many chassidim began to come to him and accepted him as their Rebbe. His brother Rabbi Shmarya Noach also functioned as an Rebbe alongside him. The Rebbe of Retzitza maintained a close relationship with the Rebbe Rasha"b.

Some attribute to him the picture of the Rebbe Rasha"b that was discovered in 5780 / 2020.

His Passing

He passed away on 16 Tishrei 5669 / 1908. News of his passing was reported in Chavatzelet on 16.11.1908.

His Sons

• Rabbi Shneur Zalman, rabbi of Stardov. After his father's (the Rashda"b) passing, the Rebbe Rasha"b worked to have him fill his father's position as rabbi of Retzitza. His son was Professor Fishel Schneerson.
• Rabbi Chaim Yeshaya Schneerson (5625 / 1865 - 5688 / 1927). He married Mrs. Esther Hendel, daughter of Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twersky (Hornsteipel). From 5654 / 1894, he served as rabbi of Paritch. From 5661 / 1901, he served as rabbi of Romny. He passed away on 16 Kislev 5688 / 1927 and was honorably buried in the Jewish cemetery in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• Rabbi Yehuda Leib, married Mrs. Bila, daughter of Rabbi Mordechai Schneerson of Vitebsk, grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek. In his first marriage, he married Yocheved daughter of R' Pinchas Gamerman, who passed away a month after giving birth to their son Pinchas, on 26 Adar 5653 / 1893 at the age of 22.
• Rabbi Menachem Mendel. Passed away at the age of 14 on 15 Iyar 5672 / 1912 in Warsaw (section 75, row 1, grave 69).
• Moshe.
• His daughter Chaya Rachel who married R' David Yehoshua Heschel son of [Avraham] Dov Ber Magazanik from Kiev. She perished on the ship Struma.