Rabbi Shmuel Betzalel Sheptil (The Rashbatz)

Rabbi Shmuel Betzalel Sheptil (known as the Rashbatz) (circa 1829-June 1905) was a prominent Chabad Chassid and influential figure for the Tzemach Tzedek, Maharash, and Rashab Rebbes.

Born in Svintzian, he was orphaned from his father at a young age. His mother remarried a harsh man who opposed Chassidism. Despite being recognized as a prodigy in his youth, the Rashbatz faced severe persecution when he became drawn to Chassidic teachings. In one incident, opponents beat him nearly to death upon finding him with a copy of the Tanya. He carried a permanent scar on his head from being struck with a wooden beam during this attack.

The Chabad community in Vilna accepted him as a student of Chassidus. Among Chassidim, his suffering for embracing Chassidic teachings was viewed as a spiritual merit.

The Rashbatz first arrived in Lubavitch on Friday of Parshat Mishpatim, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar I, 1848. En route, he studied with the Chassid Rabbi Michele Opatchker.

In 1867, the Rebbe Maharash appointed him as an emissary to Kremenchug, Vitebsk, Minsk, Chernigov, Poltava, Kherson and their regions, and Nikolayev and its regions. He served in this role until 1871, teaching Chassidic philosophy in Jewish communities.

The Rashbatz was the teacher of The Rebbe Rayatz

Later Years and Legacy

In 1894, the Rebbe Rashab appointed the Rashbatz as mentor and educator to his son, the future Rebbe Rayatz. He served in this role until 1900, when he became the spiritual mentor at the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva, a position he held until his passing.

The Rashbatz passed away on the 15th of Sivan, 1905. Following his request, he was buried in the Lubavitch cemetery within fifty cubits of the resting places of the Tzemach Tzedek and the Rebbe Maharash .

Additional Reading

• "Merited to Guide Three Admorim in their Youth" by Refael Bachar, in Sefer Dmuto Shel Chossid, pages 193-198
• Zalman Ruderman, Sefer Chassidim Anshei Maaseh, pages 51-57