Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman

Born to Rabbi Shneur Zalman Butman and Mrs. Yehudis, descendants of the Tzemach Tzedek. After suffering under Communist rule, the family escaped post-WWII and settled in Paris. He met the Rebbe there in 1947 when accompanying his mother Rebbetzin Chana to America. Immigrated to USA on 13 Adar I 5714 (1954). Married Rabbi Moshe Aharon Geisinsky's daughter in 1966.

Director of Tzach New York

Led Tzeirei Agudas Chabad Central, overseeing Chabad centers in NY area, coordinating the Rebbe's mitzvah campaigns, organizing mitzvah tanks, and other activities. Notable achievement: Creating world's largest menorah designed by Yaacov Agam, displayed on Fifth Avenue. Organized central menorah lightings citywide with public officials and senators participating.

siyum haRambam

Organized central siyum haRambam celebrations at Oholei Torah in Crown Heights.

Chairman of World Headquarters for Bringing Moshiach

Established in 1991 to coordinate worldwide Moshiach activities. Based in Crown Heights with major activities at 770. Organized continuous 24-hour Geulah classes, printed shirts/stickers/posters, held gatherings, organized joy dances, maintained Moshiach store, published newspaper ads, and coordinated major events including satellite broadcasts.

Chairman of Alter Rebbe's Descendants Association

Organized annual gatherings on 24 Tevet for descendants with distinguished rabbis and public figures.

Personal Projects

Weekly hosted "Motzei Shabbos Live" video program in Hebrew on Chabad Online and English program on COLLIVE from 2008 until his passing. Published "The Rebbe in Paris" book documenting the Rebbe's three periods in Paris.

Interactions with the Rebbe

In 1991, he presented the Rebbe with a t-shirt saying "Moshiach is on the way" in English. The Rebbe requested one shirt, saying "If you give me one, 1,999 will remain." In November 1991, during the Shluchim Convention, he and his son presented the Rebbe with Moshiach promotional materials showing the Temple on clouds. The Rebbe gave them extra dollars for the picture and asked if his son was involved.

After Gimmel Tammuz

He continued promoting belief in the Rebbe's eternal life as Melech HaMoshiach and participated in Geulah gatherings organized by Rabbi Zimroni Tzik in 1995.

Weekly Video Program

He hosted "Motzei Shabbos Live" in Hebrew on Chabad Online and an English program on COLLIV from 2008-2024. He served as chazan for High Holiday prayers at 770, mainly for Musaf on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and in later years led Selichot prayers at 770 on Motzei Shabbat.

Satellite Broadcast

On 10 Shevat 5753 (1993), he organized and hosted a worldwide satellite broadcast from 770. The Rebbe encouraged singing "Yechi Adoneinu" during the broadcast. He opened the event by explaining its significance. The broadcast included speeches from Crown Heights Badatz, Chabad Rabbis, and Rabbi Yoel Cohen about publicizing Moshiach.