Shneur Zalman Levin

Rabbi Shneur Zalman (HaLevi) Levin (3 Shevat 5685 - 23 Cheshvan 5763 / 1925-2002) was a renowned Chabad chazzan from the town of Nevel, particularly beloved for his pleasant voice, extraordinary musical talent, and his chassidic and loving approach to every Jew.

Rabbi Levin in Kfar Chabad

Life History

Born on 3 Shevat 5685 (1925) in the chassidic town of Nevel to his father R' Gershon Ber Levin, who was a famous melamed in Nevel and was murdered by the Nazis when caught teaching Jewish children underground.

In his youth, he studied at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kursk under difficult conditions and fears. At one point, the yeshiva in Kursk was discovered and disbanded. He miraculously escaped and fled to Leningrad.

In Russia, he suffered from KGB persecution. Among the places he stayed was the city of Melitopol, where he was exposed to the mashpia Rabbi Shalom Marozov who farbrenged with him and taught him chassidus.

During the Holocaust, he served in the Red Army and fought against the Nazi enemy with distinction. In one of his operations, he succeeded in killing a large group of senior Nazi army officers and was consequently promoted to officer rank. Years later, he related that his enlistment in the army was because he felt the need to avenge his family who were all killed by the Nazis y"sh. After the war, he shed his uniform and fled the army, participated in the "Russian Exodus of 5706 (1946)" and during his journeys arrived at a displaced persons camp in Italy, where he met R' Zusha Wilmovsky and R' Yaakov Palace. R' Zalman brought them close to Chabad chassidus and together they strengthened and encouraged the refugees. After some time, they immigrated together to Eretz HaKodesh on 23 Adar II 5706 (1946).

When he came of age, he married Mrs. Rachel, daughter of Rabbi Avraham Paris.

He lived in the Russian neighborhood of Kfar Chabad.

Following the Rebbe's instructions, he spent most of his days in education within the framework of the Ohel Yosef Yitzchak school network, initially at the school in Kfar Saba and after three years moved to the school in Jaffa. From 5734 (1974), he began managing a tefillin stand at the old Tel Aviv Central Bus Station and later at the new Central Bus Station, helping dozens of soldiers and civilians put on tefillin daily. He was devoted with all his soul to this mivtza.

R' Shneur Zalman passed away on 23 Cheshvan 5763 (2002), at the age of 78.

As a Chazzan

R' Zalman actively participated in recording the Nichoach albums of the Chabad Chassidim Choir and in various Chabad events throughout Israel. Additionally, he was a regular singer at the large Yud Tes Kislev farbrengens in Beis Menachem in Kfar Chabad together with R' Avraham Lider.

Niggunim He Brought

• Niggun Ana Avda

The "Kol Atzmosai" Album

The album "Kol Atzmosai", published by Gal Einai, contains special niggunim from Rabbi Levin that he preserved from the chassidic town of Nevel and transmitted to us, accompanied by the original chassidic flavor, which is an inseparable part of the niggunim's essence.

Among the famous niggunim on the disc: Kol Atzmosai, Shehashalom Shelo, the Dudele of R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, Al Chet of R' Levi Yitzchak, and more.

In Adar 5765 (2005) it was released on disc, after the recordings from the first edition were sold out.

Family

Wife: Mrs. Rachel from the family of R' Avraham Paris - Kfar Chabad.

Sons:

• R' Gershon Dov Ber HaLevi Levin, Kiryat Gat - formerly served as Deputy Director of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kiryat Gat together with Rabbis Moshe Havlin and Shalom Dov Ber Wolpo. Served as director of Chabad kindergartens in the city until 5776 (2016).
• R' Yosef Yitzchak HaLevi Levin, Kfar Chabad
• R' Yaakov HaLevi Levin, Kfar Chabad

Daughters:

• Mrs. Freida Levin
• Mrs. Sarah, wife of Rabbi Yehoshua Yechezkel Sofer, Ramat Shlomo Jerusalem
• Mrs. Bracha, wife of R' Chaim Yehuda - Kfar Chabad
• Mrs. Leah, wife of R' Avraham Israelowitz - Jerusalem