Shneur Zalman Levin

Reb Shneur Zalman Levin was a renowned Chabad musician from Nevel, beloved for his pleasant voice, extraordinary musical talent, and chassidic approach of loving every Jew.

Life History

Born in Nevel to Reb Gershon Ber Levin, a famous melamed who was murdered by the Nazis while teaching Jewish children underground.

Studied at Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Kursk under difficult conditions. When the yeshiva was discovered and disbanded, he miraculously escaped to Leningrad.

In Russia, he faced KGB persecution. While in Molutpol, he learned from the mashpia Reb Sholom Marozov who farbrenged with him and taught him chassidus.

During WWII, he served in the Red Army fighting against the Nazis with distinction. After killing a large group of Nazi officers, he was promoted. He later explained he enlisted to avenge his family murdered by the Nazis. After the war, he fled the army and participated in the 1946 exodus from Russia. In a DP camp in Italy, he met Reb Zusha Wilmovsky and Reb Yaakov Pelles. Reb Zalman brought them closer to Chabad and together they strengthened the refugees. They later immigrated to Eretz Yisroel on 23 Adar II 1946.

He married Rachel, daughter of Reb Avrohom Paris, and lived in the Russian neighborhood of Kfar Chabad.

Following the Rebbe's directive, he worked in chinuch at Oholei Yosef Yitzchok schools - first in Kfar Saba, then Yafo. From 1974, he ran a tefillin stand at the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, helping dozens daily.

As a Musician

Actively participated in Nichoach recordings with the Chabad Chassidim Choir and various Chabad events nationwide. Regularly sang at the large Yud Tes Kislev farbrengens in Beis Menachem Kfar Chabad with Reb Avrohom Lider.

Notable Niggunim

• Ana Avda niggun

"Kol Atzmosai" Album

Released by Gal Einai, featuring special niggunim preserved from Nevel with authentic chassidic flavor. Famous tracks include Kol Atzmosai, Shehashalom Shelo, R' Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev's dudele and Al Chet. Re-released on CD in Adar 2005.

Family

Wife: Rachel (daughter of Reb Avrohom Paris) - Kfar Chabad

Sons:

• Reb Gershon Dov Ber Halevi Levin - Kiryat Gat
• Reb Yosef Yitzchok Halevi Levin - Kfar Chabad
• Reb Yaakov Halevi Levin - Kfar Chabad

Daughters:

• Freida Levin
• Sarah (wife of R' Yehoshua Yechezkel Sofer) - Ramat Shlomo, Jerusalem
• Bracha (wife of Reb Chaim Yehuda) - Kfar Chabad
• Leah (wife of Reb Avrohom Israelovitch) - Jerusalem