Rabbi Shneur Zalman Jaffe

Rabbi Shneur Zalman Jaffe (1913 - 27 Elul 5760/2000) was a Chabad activist with a warm heart who merited to become connected to the Rebbe and transform into a passionate Chassid through special attention he received from the Rebbe.

Early Life

Born in Manchester, England on 8 Adar I 5673/1913 to R' Zev Chabad and Golda Rivka Jaffe. Named after his paternal grandfather, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Dov Jaffe.

His mother was born in Rakishok. Her father was a Chassid of the Maharash and Rashab Rebbes. Her older sisters settled in America around 1903, and she followed them to Manchester, England where she met and married R' Zev in 1910.

The family's connection with the Chabad Rebbes was renewed after meeting R' Ben Zion Shem Tov, a Chabad emissary who encouraged them to correspond with the Previous Rebbe and renew their connection to Chabad Chassidism.

In 1939, he married Mrs. Raizel (Roselyn) who became his right hand and accompanied him in later years in public activities he conducted in England under the Rebbe's direction.

Connection to the Rebbe

On 13 Sivan 5718/1958, his family was involved in a fatal car accident in which his son Gedaliah was tragically killed. The Rebbe sent the couple a letter of consolation.

After recovering from their severe injuries, R' Zalman and his wife decided to visit the Rebbe. In winter 5719/1959, they had their first audience with the Rebbe, receiving encouragement and comfort during an unusually long private meeting lasting several hours.

This audience marked the beginning of R' Zalman's ongoing relationship with the Rebbe, during which the Rebbe showed him many rare forms of closeness. R' Zalman progressively advanced in his personal Chassidic life, becoming the Rebbe's emissary and Chabad activist in his hometown, earning the Rebbe's affectionate nickname "Mr. Manchester."

R' Zalman strived to bring joy to the Rebbe, regularly reporting his activities, giving gifts, and finding ways to add to the Rebbe's happiness. The Rebbe was very fond of him, and the Rebbetzin once related that when she asked the Rebbe why he returned happy from 770, he said R' Zalman had visited for an hour-long private audience.

Throughout his life, R' Zalman corresponded extensively with the Rebbe on various topics, with nearly 300 letters (in English) published from their correspondence.

He also meticulously documented his visits to the Rebbe, and his personal diaries are known for their accuracy and unique Chassidic warmth.

Visits to the Rebbe

He visited the Rebbe frequently, at least twice yearly, especially during Sivan from Shavuot through his son Gedaliah's yahrzeit. Rabbi Mordechai Mentlick often honored him to speak at the Torah gathering held during the festival's compensation days.

In Tammuz 5721/1961, he organized a trip of 120 Jews from England who stayed with the Rebbe for two weeks and received special attention. The group members greatly enjoyed their visit and wrote him a certificate of appreciation signed by all participants. In a rare gesture, the Rebbe added his signature at the top of the list.

Despite his enthusiasm for influencing others to visit the Rebbe, when he tried pressuring people to go, the Rebbe firmly instructed him not to pressure those unwilling to come on their own, as it served no purpose.

Public Activities

In 5733/1973, he was among those responsible for translating the Tanya into English, serving as liaison with the Rebbe regarding translation details. One year, he organized a flight from England to the Rebbe, and the Rebbe even participated in a farbrengen when they arrived at 4:00.

Final Years

In 5751/1991, he began growing his beard, bringing the Rebbe great satisfaction. On his next visit, the Rebbe wrote him a special response: "To Rabbi Shneur Zalman Jaffe: Since I saw you today with a pleasant countenance, enclosed is $50 to distribute in your city."

He passed away at age 87 on 27 Elul 5760/2000 in Manchester, England, where he was buried.

Family

His brother R' Moshe Avraham Jaffe (known as Major Jaffe) served in various public roles in England, including Chief Military Rabbi and representative of Chief Rabbi Herzog in Britain. His sister Eidel married Rabbi Yechezkel Yehuda Unsdorfer.

Children:

• His son R' Avraham Yosef Jaffe
• His daughter Mrs. Hinda Malka - wife of the Rebbe's emissary to London Rabbi Shmuel Lew
• Nephew Eli Jaffe - Cantor and conductor of the Great Synagogue choir in Jerusalem

Further Reading

• Documentation of R' Zalman Jaffe's private audiences
• Mr. Manchester - Collection of personal correspondence with the Rebbe (2003 first edition)
• My Encounter With The Rebbe - Three-volume series documenting his personal impressions from visits to the Rebbe