Menachem Mendel Schneerson

For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty, see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Lubavitcher Rebbe

Menachem Mendel Schneerson at the Lag BaOmer parade in Brooklyn, 1987.
Synagogue 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY
Began 10 Shevat 5711 / January 17, 1951
Predecessor Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn
Personal details
Born April 5, 1902 OS (11 Nissan 5662)[1]
Nikolaev, Kherson Governorate, Russian Empire (present-day Mykolaiv, Ukraine)
Died June 12, 1994 NS (3 Tammuz 5754) (aged 92)[2]
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Buried Queens, New York, U.S.
Dynasty Chabad Lubavitch
Parents Levi Yitzchak Schneerson
ChanaYanovski Schneerson
Spouse Chaya Mushka Schneerson
Semicha Rogatchover Gaon

Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 5, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known to many as the Rebbe,[3][4][5] was a Russian-born American Orthodox Jewish rabbi, and the last Lubavitcher Rebbe. He is considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.[6][7][8][9]

As leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, he "took an insular Hasidic group that almost came to an end with the Holocaust and turned it into one of the most influential and controversial forces in world Jewry,"[10] with an international network of over 3000 educational and social centers.[11][12] The institutions he established include kindergartens, schools, drug-rehabilitation centers, care-homes for the disabled and synagogues.[13]

Schneerson's published teachings fill more than 300 volumes and he is noted for his contributions to Jewish continuity and religious thought,[14] as well as his wide-ranging contributions to traditional Torah scholarship.[15] He is recognized as the pioneer of Jewish outreach.[16][17]

In 1978, the U.S. Congress designated Schneerson's birthday as the national Education Day U.S.A.,[18] honoring his role in establishing the Department of Education as an independent cabinet-level department.[19] In 1994, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his "outstanding and lasting contributions toward improvements in world education, morality, and acts of charity."[20]

Life

1902–1923

Menachem Mendel Schneerson was born on Friday, April 18, 1902, equivalent to 11 Nissan, 5662, in the town of Nikolaev.[21] His father was Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a renowned Talmudic scholar and authority on Kabbalah and Jewish law.[22] His mother was Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson (nee Yanovski). He was named after the third Chabad rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek, from whom he was descendent in direct paternal lineage.

In 1907, when Menachem Mendel was six years old, the Schneersons moved to Yekatrinislav (today, Dnepropetrovsk), where Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was appointed Chief Rabbi of the city. He served until 1939, when he was exiled by the Soviets to Uzbekistan.[23] Schneerson had two younger brothers: Dov Ber, who was murdered in 1944 by Nazi collaborators, and Yisrael Aryeh Leib, who died in 1952 while completing doctoral studies at Liverpool University.[21]

Schneerson who was described as a slim boy with blond hair,[24] was gifted with extraordinary intelligence and empathy.[25] During his youth, he received a private education and was tutored by Zalman Vilenkin from 1909 through 1913. When Schneerson was eleven years old, Vilenkin informed the boy's father that he had nothing more to teach his son.[26] At that point, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak began teaching his son Talmud and rabbinic literature, as well as Kabbalah. Schneerson proved gifted in both Talmudic and Kabalistic study and also took exams as an external student of the local Soviet school.[27] He was considered an Illui and genius, and by the time he was seventeen, he had mastered the entire Talmud, some 5,894 pages with all its early commentaries.[28]

Throughout his childhood Schneerson was involved in the affairs of his father's office. He was also said to have acted as an interpreter between the Jewish community and the Russian authorities on a number of occasions.[29] Levi Yitzchak's courage and principles were a guide to his son for the rest of his life. Many years later, when he once reminisced about his youth, Schneerson said "I have the education of the first-born son of the rabbi of Yekatrinoselav. When it comes to saving lives, I speak up whatever others may say."[30]

Schneerson went on to receive separate rabbinical ordinations from the Rogatchover Gaon, Rabbi Yosef Rosen,[31] and the Sridei Aish, Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg.[32]

1923–1941

In 1923 Schneerson for the first time visited the sixth Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, where he met the Rabbi's middle daughter Chaya Mushka (Mousia). Sometime later they became engaged, but were not married until 1928 in Warsaw, Poland.[33] Taking great pride in his son-in-law's outstanding knowledge, Yosef Yitzchok asked him to engage in learned conversation with the great Torah scholars that were present at the wedding, such as Rabbi Meir Shapiro and Rabbi Menachem Ziemba.[34] The marriage was long and happy (60 years), but childless.[25]

Menachem Mendel Schneerson and Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn are both descendants of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, known as the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Rebbe of Chabad Lubavitch.[35] Schneerson later commented that the day of his marriage bound the community to him and him to the community.[36]

After his wedding to Chaya Mushka, Schneerson and his wife moved to Berlin where he was assigned specific communal tasks by his father-in-law, who also requested that he write scholarly annotations to the responsa and various hasidic discourses of the earlier Rebbe’s of Chabad-Lubavitch. Schneerson studied mathematics, physics and philosophy at the University of Berlin.[37] He would later recall that he enjoyed Erwin Schrödinger’s lectures.[38] His father-in-law took great pride in his erudite son-in-law's scholarly attainments and paid for all the tuition expenses and helped facilitate his studies throughout.[39]

During his stay in Berlin, his father-in-law encouraged him to become more of a public figure, yet Schneerson described himself as an introvert,[40] and was known to plead with acquaintances not to make a fuss over the fact that he was the son-in-law of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson.[41]

While in Berlin, Schneerson met Joseph B. Soloveitchik and the two formed a friendship that remained between them years later when they both emigrated to America.[42][43][44][45] He wrote hundreds of pages of his own original Torah discourses,[46] and conducted a serious interchange of halachic correspondence with many of Eastern Europe's leading rabbinic figures, including the talmudic genius known as the Rogachover Gaon.[47] In 1933 he also met with Rabbi Chaim Elazar Shapiro, as well as with talmudist Rabbi Shimon Shkop.[48] During this time he would keep a diary in which he would carefully document his private conversations with his father-in-law Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, as well as his kabalistic correspondence with his father, Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.[49]

In 1933, after the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, Schneerson left Berlin and moved to Paris, France where he continued his religious and communal activists on behalf of his father-in-law, Yosef Yitzchak. He continued studying mechanics and electrical engineering at the ESTP, a Grandes écoles in the Montparnasse district and graduated in July 1937 with a degree. In November 1937, he enrolled at the Sorbonne, where he studied mathematics until World War II broke out in 1939.[50]

During that time, Yosef Yitzchok recommended that Professor Alexander Vasilyevitch Barchenko consult with Schneerson regarding various religious and mystical matters,[51] and prominent Rabbis, such as Yerachmiel Binyaminson and Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler turned to Schneerson with their rabbinic and kabalistic queries.[52][53]

On June 11, 1940, three days before Paris fell to the Nazis, the Schneersons fled to Vichy, and later to Nice, where they stayed until their final escape from Europe in 1941.[54]

1941–1950

In 1941, Schneerson escaped from Europe via Lisbon, Portugal.[55] On the eve of his departure, Schneerson penned a treatise where he revealed his vision for the future of world Jewry and humanity.[56] He and his wife Chaya Mushka arrived in New York on June 23, 1941.[57]

Shortly after his arrival, his father-in-law appointed him director and chairman of the three Chabad central organizations, Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machneh Israel and Kehot Publication Society, placing him at the helm of the movement's Jewish educational, social services, and publishing networks. Over the next decade, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok referred many of the scholarly questions that had been inquired of him to Schneerson and he became increasingly known as a personal representative of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok.[58]

During the 1940s, Schneerson became a naturalized US citizen and, seeking to contribute to the war effort, he volunteered at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, drawing wiring for the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63),[59][60][61] and other classified military work.[62]

In 1942 Schneerson launched the Merkos Shlichus program where he would send pairs of yeshiva students to remote locations across the country during their summer vacations to teach Jews in isolated communities about their heritage and offer education to their children.

As chairman and editor in chief of Kehot, Schneerson published the works of the earlier Rebbes of Chabad. He also published his own works including the Hayom Yom in 1943 and Hagadda in 1946.[63]

In 1947 Schneerson traveled to Paris, to bring his mother, Chana Schneerson, back to New York with him. He remained in Paris for several weeks where he established a school for girls and worked with local organisations to assist with housing for refugees and displaced persons.[64]

Schneerson often explained that his goal was to "make the world a better place," and to do what he could to eliminate all suffering.[65] In a letter to Israeli President Yitzchak Ben Tzvi, Schneerson wrote that when he was a child the vision of the future redemption began to take form in his imagination "a redemption of such magnitude and grandeur through which the purpose of the suffering, the harsh decrees and annihilation of exile will be understood..."[66]

1950–1951

After the death of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn in 1950, Chabad followers began persuading Schneerson to succeed his father-in-law as Rebbe on the basis of his scholarship, piety, and dynasty.[67][68] Schneerson was reluctant, and actively refused to accept leadership of the movement. He continued, however, all the communal activities he had previously headed. It would take a full year until he was persuaded to accept the post by the elders of the movement.[69]

On the first anniversary of his father-in-law's passing, 10 Shevat 1951, in a ceremony attended by several hundred rabbis and Jewish leaders from all parts of the United States and Canada, Schneerson delivered a Hasidic discourse, (Ma'amar), the equivalent to a President-elect taking the oath of office, and formally became the Rebbe.[70] On the night of his acceptance, members of the Israeli Cabinet and Israel’s Chief Rabbi's sent him congratulatory messages.[71]

During his inaugural talk, Schneerson said "one must go to a place where nothing is known of godliness, nothing is known of Judaism, nothing is even known of the Hebrew alphabet, and while there to put oneself aside and ensure that the other calls out to God."[72] When he spoke to Forward journalist Asher Penn that year, he said, "we must stop insisting that Judaism is in danger, an assertion that does little but place Jewry on the defensive. We need to go on the offensive."[73]

As Rebbe, Schneerson would receive visitors for personal meeting, known as "yechidus" twice a week, during Sunday and Thursday evening. These meetings, would begin at 8pm and often continue until five or six in the morning and were open to anyone.[68][74] Schneerson, who spoke several languages including English, Yiddish, Hebrew, French, Russian, German and Italian, would converse with people on all issues and offer his advice on both spiritual and mundane matters.[75] Politicians and leaders from across the globe came to meet him, but Schneerson showed no preference to one person over another. His secretary once even declined to admit John F. Kennedy because Schneerson was already meeting simple folk who had requested appointments months prior.[13] These meetings were discontinued in 1982 when it became impossible to facilitate the large number of people. These meetings were then held only for those who had a special occasion, such as bride and groom for their wedding or a boy and his family on the occasion of a bar mitzvah.[75]

During the coming four decades as Rebbe, Schneerson would deliver weekly addresses, centered on the weekly Torah portion and on various tractates of the Talmud. These lengthy talks which he delivered without text or notes could last several hours.[76][77] During these talks, Schneerson demonstrated a unique approach in explaining seemingly different concepts by analysis of the fundamental principle common to the entire tractate.[78][79]

1951–1994

In 1951 Schneerson established a Chabad women's and girl's organisation and a youth organisation in Israel. Their mission was to engage in outreach directed to women and teens respectively. In 1953 he opened branches in New York, London and Toronto. In a marked departure from an entrenched tendency to limit high-level Torah education to men and boys, Schneerson addressed his teachings equally to both genders.[80] He addressed meetings of the organisations, and led gatherings exclusively for women. Schneerson would describe the increase in Torah study by women as one of the "positive innovations of the later generations".[81]

That same year Schneerson sent his first emissary to Morocco, and established schools and a synagogue for the Moroccan Jewish community. In 1958 Schneerson established Schools and synagogues in Detroit, Michigan, in Milan, Italy and in London, England. Beginning in the 1960s, Schneerson instituted a system of "mitzvah campaigns" to encourage the observance of ten basic Jewish practices, such as Tefillin for men, Shabbat candles for women and loving your fellow for all people.[82]

In 1964 Schneerson's mother, Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson died.[83] Since bringing her to New York in 1947, Schneerson would visit her every day and twice each Friday and prepare her a tea.[84] Following her death, Schneerson began to offer an additional weekly sermon in her memory. These sermons, consisted of original insights and unprecedented analysis of Rashi's Torah commentary, which were delivered at the regular public gatherings. Schneerson gave these sermons each week until 1992.[85]

During his decades of leadership, Schneerson worked over 18 hours a day and never took a day of vacation.[86] He rarely left Brooklyn except for visits to his father-in-law's gravesite in Queens, New York. Schneerson was opposed to retirement, seeing it as a waste of precious years.[87] In 1972, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, instead of announcing a retirement plan, Schneerson proposed the establishment of 71 new institutions to mark the beginning of the 71st year of his life.[88]

In 1973, Schneerson started a Chanukah campaign to encourage all Jews worldwide to light his or her own menorah. After all tin menorahs were given out that year, a military manufacturer was commissioned to make tens of thousands of additional menorahs for distribution. In 1974, a public lighting of a Chanukah menorah was held by the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennyslvania and in years following menorah lightings on public grounds were conducted in cities worldwide. Legal challenges to the lightings on public grounds reached the Supreme Court and it was ruled that public lightings did not violate the Constitution. Public lightings continue in thousands of cities today.[89]

In 1977, during the hakafot ceremony on Shemini Atzeret, Schneerson suffered a heart attack. At his request, rather than transporting him to a hospital, the doctors set up a mini-hospital at his office where he was treated for the next four weeks by Dr. Bernard Lown, Dr. Ira Weiss and Dr. Larry Resnick.[90]

In 1979, during the Islamic Revolution and Iranian hostage crisis, Schneerson directed arrangements to rescue Jewish youth and teenagers from Iran and bring them to safety in the United States.[91] The radical Islamic hostilities toward the United States was seen by Schneerson as an act that could lead to a general weakening of American influence around the world and that would encourage future challenges against the U.S. and its allies.[5][92] As a result of Schneersons efforts, several thousand Iranian children were flown to safety from Iran to New York.[93]

In 1983 Schneerson launched a global campaign to promote awareness of the supreme being and observance of the Noahide Laws among all people,[94] arguing that this was the basis for human rights for all civilization.[95] Several times each year his addresses were broadcast on national television. On these occasions Schneerson would address the public on general communal affairs and issues relating to world peace such as a moment of silence in U.S. public schools, increased government funding for solar energy research, U.S. foreign aid to developing countries and nuclear disarmament.[96]

In 1984, Schneerson initiated a campaign for the daily study of Maimonides's Mishneh Torah.[97] Each year at the completion of the learning cycle there is Siyum celebration marking the end of the cycle and beginning of the new one. These events have been attended by many Jewish leaders.[98] Today, many thousands follow the daily study schedule.

In 1986, Schneerson began a custom where each Sunday he would stand outside his office and greet people briefly and give them a dollar bill, and encourage them to then donate to the charity of their choice.[99] Explaining his reason for encouraging charitable giving among all people, Schneerson quoted his father-in-law who said that “when two people meet, it should bring benefit to a third.”[100] People on line would often take this opportunity to ask Schneerson for advice or request a blessing. Thousands of people attended this event each week, which lasted up to six hours, and is often referred to as "Sunday Dollars."[101]

On February 10, 1988, Schneersons wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson died.[102] During the week of shiva Schneerson wrote a will in which he bequeathed his entire estate to Agudas Chasidei Chabad, the Chabad umbrella organisation.[103] A year after the death of his wife, when the traditional year of Jewish mourning had passed, Schneerson moved into his study above the central Lubavitch synagogue on Eastern Parkway.[104]

During a talk in In 1991, Schneerson spoke passionately about the Messiah and told his followers that he had done all that he could to bring world peace and redemption, but that it was now up to them to continue this task: "I have done my part, from now on you do all that you can." A few months later, when a reporter from CNN came to meet him at dollars, he said, "Moshiach is ready to come now, it is only on our part to do something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness."[105]

On Sunday, March 1, 1992, Gabriel Erem, the editor of Lifestyles Magazine told Schneerson that on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday they would be publishing a special issue and wanted to know what his message to the world was. Schneerson replied that "'Ninety,' in Hebrew, is ‘tzaddik,’ which means ‘righteous.’ And that is a direct indication for every person to become a real tzaddik - a righteous person, and to do so for many years, until 120." This message, Schneerson added, applies equally to Jews and non-Jews.[106]

The following day Schneerson suffered a serious stroke while praying at the grave of his father-in-law. The stroke left him unable to speak and paralyzed on the right side of his body. During this time, the hope that Schneerson could be revealed as the Messiah (Moshiach) became more widespread.[107][108]

The Rebbe's Tomb: Schneerson's burial place next to his father-in-law and predecessor in Queens, NY.

On June 12, 1994 (3 Tammuz 5754), Schneerson died at the Beth Israel Medical Center and was buried at the Ohel next to his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, at Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York.[109][110] Shortly after Schneerson's death, the executors of his will discovered several notebooks in a drawer in his office, in which Schneerson had written his scholarly thoughts and religious musings from his earliest years.[111] The majority of entries in these journals date between the years 1928 and 1950 and were subsequently published.[112]

Following age-old Jewish tradition that the resting place of a tzadik is holy, Schneerson's grave-site is viewed by many as a holy site, and has been described by the Yedioth Ahronoth as "the American Western Wall", where thousands of people, including both Jews and non-Jews,[13] come to pray each week.[113][114][115] Many more send faxes and e-mails with requests for prayers to be read at the grave site.[116]

A child announces one of the 12 verses.
Waving to children at a Lag BaOmer parade.

Global leadership

United States

Schneerson spoke of America's position as a world superpower, and would praise its foundational values of '"E pluribus unum'—from many one", and "In God we trust."[117] He called on the government to develop independent energy, and not need to rely of totalitarian regimes whose countries national interests greatly differed from the US.[118][119] Schneerson also called for the US Government to use its influence on countries who were receiving its foreign aid to do more for the educational and cultural needs of their deprived citizens.[120][121]

Schneerson placed a strong emphasis on education and often spoke of the need of a moral educational system for all people. He was an advocate of a Department of Education as a separate cabinet position from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.[122] Schneerson proclaimed 1977 as a “Year of Education” and urged Congress to do the same. He stated that education “must think in terms of a 'better living’ not only for the individual, but also for the society as a whole. The educational system must, therefore, pay more attention to the building of character, with emphasis on moral and ethical values. Education must put greater emphasis on the promotion of fundamental human rights and obligations of justice and morality, which are the basis of any human society"[123]

Following Schneerson's urging, the Ninety-Fifth Congress of the United States issued a Joint Resolution proclaiming 1978 as a Year of Education and designating April 18, 1978, as "Education Day, U.S.A.".[124] Each year since, the President of the United States has proclaimed Schneerson's birthday as "Education Day, U.S.A." in his honor.[125]

During his life, Schneerson had great influence on numerous political leaders from across the aisle, many of whom would seek his advice. He was visited by Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors, Senators, Congressmen and Mayors. Notable among them are John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Jacob Javits, Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani, David Dinkins and Joe Lieberman.[62][126]

Israel

Schneerson took great interest in the affairs of the state of Israel, and did whatever was in his power to support the infrastructure of the state and advance its success.[82][127] He was concerned with the agricultural,[128] industrial and overall economic welfare of Israel,[129] and sought to promote its scientific achievements, and enhance Israel's standing in the international community.[130] Schneerson consistently expressed enormous recognition of the role of the Israel Defense Forces and stated that those who serve in the Israeli army perform a great Mitzva.[131]

In 1950 Schneerson encouraged the establishment of Israel’s first automobile company. By 1956, the company was responsible for 28% of Israel’s exports. Schneerson also established a network of trade schools in Israel to provide Israeli youth, new immigrants and Holocaust survivors with vocational training and livelihood. In 1954 Schneerson established a school for carpentry and woodwork. In 1955 he established a school for agriculture. In 1956 he established a school for printing and publishing and in 1957 a school for textiles.[132]

Although he never was in Israel, many of Israel's top leadership made it a point to visit him.[133] Israeli President, Zalman Shazar, would visit Schneerson and corresponded extensively with him as would Prime Minister Menachem Begin who came to visit him before going to Washington to meet President Carter.[134] Ariel Sharon who had a close relationship with Schneerson,[135] often quoted his view on military matters and sought his advice when he considered retiring from the military. Schneerson advised the general to remain at his post.[136] Yitzhak Rabin,[137] Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu[138] also visited and sought Schneersons advice. Israeli politicians and military experts who came to consult with him were surprised by his detailed knowledge of their country’s local affairs and international situation on strategic and diplomatic fronts.[82] Schneerson stated his nonpartisan policy many times, warning of his involvement in politics.[139][140]

Schneerson publicly expressed his view that the safety and stability of Israel were in the best interests of the United States, as Israel is the front line against those who want the anti-west nations to succeed.[141] He was opposed to land for peace, which he called an “illusion of peace,” saying that it would not save lives, but harm lives. Schneerson stated that this position was not based on nationalistic or other religious reasons, but purely out of concern for human life.[142] Benjamin Netanyahu said that while serving as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in 1984, Schneerson told him: "you will be serving in a house of darkness, but remember, that even in the darkest place; the light of a single candle can be seen far and wide…" Netanyahu later retold this episode in a speech at the General Assembly, on Sept 23, 2011.[143]

Just before the outbreak of the Six-Day War, Schneerson called for a global Teffilin campaign, to see that Jews observe the Mitzva of Tefillin as a means of ensuring divine protection against Israel's enemies.[144] Speaking to a crowd of thousands of people on May 28, 1967, only a few days before the outbreak of the war, he assured the world that Israel would be victorious.[145] He said Israel had no need to fear as God was with them, quoting the verse, "the Guardian of Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers."[146]

After the Operation Entebbe rescue, in a public talk on 16 August 1976, Schneerson applauded the courage and selflessness of the IDF, "who flew thousands of miles, putting their lives in danger for the sole purpose of possibly saving the lives of tens of Jews”. He said “their portion in the Hereafter is guaranteed”.[147][148] He was later vilified by ultra haredi rabbis for publicly praising the courage of the IDF and suggesting that God chose them as a medium through which he would send deliverance to the Jewish people.[149] Schneerson protested vehemently against those elements within the ultra haredi society who sought to undermine the motivations and actions of the soldiers.[150][151]

He corresponded with David Ben-Gurion on the issue of Judaism in the State of Israel, asking the Prime Minister to ensure that Israel remains Jewish. He lobbied Israeli politicians to pass legislation in accordance with Jewish law on the question "Who is a Jew?" and asked that they add the words "according to Halakha" to the declaration so that it state that "only one who is born of a Jewish mother or converted according to Halakha is Jewish." This caused a furor in the United States. Some American Jewish philanthropies stopped financially supporting Chabad-Lubavitch since most of their members were connected to Reform and Conservative Judaism. Controversial issues such as territorial compromise in Israel that might have estranged benefactors from giving much-needed funds to Chabad.[152]

Soviet Jewry

Schneerson greatly encouraged the Jews who were trapped behind the iron curtain. He sent many emissaries on covert missions to sustain Judaism under Communist regimes and to provide them with their religious and material needs.[153] Many Jews from behind the iron curtain would correspond with Schneerson, sending their letters to him via secret messenger and addressing Schneerson in code name.[154]

Schneerson, who had an intimate knowledge of the Soviet government and their tactics, opposed demonstrations on behalf of Soviet Jews, stating that he had evidence that they were harming Russia’s Jews. Instead he advocated quiet diplomacy, which he said would be more effective.[155][156] Schneerson did whatever was in his power to push for the release of Jews from the former Soviet Union and established schools, communities and other humanitarian resources to assist with their absorption into Israel. On one known occasion he instructed Sen. Chic Hecht to provide President Ronald Reagan with contact information of people who wished to leave so that he could lobby their release.[157]

Following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, Schneerson called for efforts to rescue children from Chernobyl and founded a special organization for this purpose.[158] The first rescue flight occurred on August 3, 1990, when 196 children were flown to Israel and brought to a shelter campus. Since then, thousands of children have been rescued and brought to Israel where they receive housing, education and medical care in a supportive environment.[159]

Natan Sharansky, the Chairman of the Jewish Agency said that Chabad Lubavitch was an essential connector to Soviet Jewry during the Cold War,[160] while Shimon Peres has stated that it’s to Schneersons credit that "Judaism in the Soviet Union has been preserved."[161]

Legacy

Impact

Schneerson initiated Jewish outreach in the post holocaust era and believed that world Jewry was seeking to learn more about their heritage. He sought to bring Judaism to Jews wherever they were and was the first person in all of history to try reach every Jewish community and every Jew in the world.[16] British Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said of Schneerson "that if the Nazis searched out every Jew in hate, the Rebbe wished to search out every Jew in love.”[162] He oversaw the building of schools, community centers, and youth camps and created a global network of emissaries, known as Shluchim.

Today there are Shluchim in 49 of the 50 US States, in over 80 countries and 1000 cities around the world, totaling more than 3,600 institutions including some 300 in Israel.[163][164] Chabad is very often the only Jewish presence in a given town or city and it has become the face of Jewish Orthodoxy for the Jewish and general world.[165]

Schneerson's model of Jewish outreach has been imitated by all Jewish movements including the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Haredi.[12][166] His published works fill more than 200 volumes and are often used as source text for sermons of both Chabad and non-Chabad rabbis.[15] Beyond the Jewish world, Peggy Noonan has written that moral issues would be better addressed by leaders such as Schneerson then by politicians,[167] and since his death, Schneerson has been referred to as the Rebbe for all people.[13]

Recognition

Schneerson’s contributions to education and the betterment of mankind have been recognized by every president since Richard Nixon. In 1978, Schneerson became the first – and only – rabbi to have a US national day proclaimed in his honor, when the US congress and President Jimmy Carter designated Schneersons birthdate as “Education Day USA.” Each year since, the President has called on all Americans to focus on education in honor of Schneerson. In 1982 Ronald Reagan also proclaimed Schneerson's birthday as a "National Day of Reflection," and presented the "National Scroll of Honor" that was signed by the President, Vice-President and every member of Congress.[168][169]

Numerous public officials attended Schneerson's funeral, including New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Benjamin Netanyahu and the entire staff of the Israeli consulate in Washington.[170]

President Bill Clinton penned a condolence letter "to the Chabad-Lubavitch community and to world Jewry" and spoke of Schneerson as "a monumental man who as much as any other individual, was responsible over the last half a century for advancing the instruction of ethics and morality to our young people." Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, cited Schneersons great scholarship and contribution to the entire Jewish people and proclaimed "The Rebbe's loss is a loss for all the Jewish people." Foreign Minister Shimon Peres cited words from the prophet Malachi as applying with particular force to Schneerson: "He brought back many from iniquity. For a priest's lips shall guard knowledge, and teaching should be sought from his mouth. For he is a messenger of the Lord."[171]

Shortly after his death, Schneerson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring Schneerson for his "outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity".[20] President Bill Clinton spoke these words at the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony:

“ The late Rebbe's eminence as a moral leader for our country was recognized by every president since Richard Nixon. For over two decades, the Rabbi's movement now has some 2000 institutions; educational, social, medical, all across the globe. We (the United States Government) recognize the profound role that Rabbi Schneerson had in the expansion of those institutions. ”

In 2009, the National Museum of American Jewish History selected Schneerson as one of eighteen American Jews to be included in their "Only in America" Hall of Fame.[172]

Scholarship and works

Schneerson is recognized for his scholarship and contributions to Talmudic, Halachic, Kabalistic and Chasidic teachings.[15][173] Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, who knew Schneerson from their days in Berlin, and remained in contact once the two men came to America, told his students after visiting Schneerson "the Rebbe has a 'gewaldiger' (awesome) comprehension of the Torah,"[174] and "He is a gaon, he is a great one, he is a leader of Israel."[175]

According to Mordechai Eliyahu, former chief Rabbi of Israel, his meeting with Schneerson "covered all sections of the Torah" Eliyahu said "The Rebbe jumped effortlessly from one Talmudic tractate to another, and from there to Kabbalah and then to Jewish law... It was as if he had just finished studying these very topics from the holy books. The whole Torah was an open book in front of him".[176][177]

Schneerson's teachings have been published in more than two hundred volumes. Schneerson also penned tens of thousands of letters in reply to requests for blessings and advice. These detailed and personal letters offer advice and explanation on a wide variety of subjects, including spiritual matters as well as all aspects of life.[178]

Books in Hebrew and Yiddish

Books in English (original and translated)

Controversies

Wills

There is considerable controversy within Chabad about Schneerson's will, as he named no successor. He did however write one legal will, which was signed before witnesses, whereby he transferred stewardship of all the major Chabad institutions as well as all his possessions to Agudas Chassidei Chabad.[182]

Another will, no executed copies of which are known to be in existence, named three senior Chabad rabbis as directors of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.[182]

Messianism

Schneerson was criticized for his passion and desire to raise awareness to the coming of the Messiah. Detractors criticized a children's song with the words “We want moshiach (the messiah) now / We don't want to wait,” that Schneerson commended.[183]

During his life many people hoped that he would be revealed as the Messiah.[17][82] Admirers pointed to traditional Jewish theology which teaches that in every generation there is one person who is worthy of being the Messiah, and if God deems the times right, he will be revealed by God as such.[184] Chabad followers also pointed to a tradition that in every generation there is one person who is considered the Messiah of the generation.[183][185]

Recognizing Schneerson's vast achievements, many Jews felt that if there was indeed a person worthy of such stature, it was Schneerson.[17][186] Although Schneerson constantly objected to any talk that he could be the Messiah, this notion sparked controversy, particularly among those who were unfamiliar with these traditional teachings.[17][25][27] Since Schneerson's passing, the Messianic movement has largely shrunk, although many followers still believe him to be the Messiah.[183] The Chabad umbrella organization, Agudas Chasidei Chabad has condemned Messianic behavior, stating that it defies the express wishes of Schneerson.[187]

References

  1. ↑ The accepted date is April 5, 1902 OS. However, government documents, including his Russian passport, his application for French citizenship, his application for a U.S. visa, and his U.S. World War Two draft registration all indicate he was born in March 1895.
  2. ↑ 92 based on accepted date of birth in 1902; 99 based on the 1895 date that appears on government documents
  3. ↑ Noah Feldman, Jun 25, 2014 "Remembering a Force in Jewish History", BloombergView
  4. ↑ Shmuly Yanklowitz, Rabbi Telushkin's Newest Book on the Lubavitcher Rebbe: A Testament to Greatness Huffington Post, 30 May 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Joel B. Pollak, 29 Jun 2014 "After 20 Years the Rebbe Still Casts a Long Warm Shadow", Breitbart
  6. ↑ Bari Weiss, Oct. 2, 2014 "Crowdsourcing the High Holy Days", Wall Street Journal
  7. ↑ Matt Flegenheimer, "Thousands Descend on Queens on 20th Anniversary of Grand Rebbe’s Death", New York Times
  8. ↑ Ronn Torossian, "Rebbe The Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History", FrontPage Magazine
  9. ↑ Steve Langford, "Crowds Flock To Queens To Remember Influential Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson", CBS New York
  10. ↑ Rabbi Schneerson Led a Small Hasidic Sect to World Prominence New York Times June 13, 1994
  11. ↑ "National Geographic Magazine February 2006". Ngm.nationalgeographic.com. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Maayan Jaffe, 20 Years After Rebbe's Death Jewish Movements Increasingly Emulate Chabad. June 8, 2014.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Editorial, 07/08/14. "Rebbe to the city and Rebbe to the world". The New York Observer.
  14. ↑ The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present, M. Avrum Ehrlich, p. 106. KTAV Publishing, ISBN 0-88125-836-9
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Vice President of the Orthodox Union. "The Contributions of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Torah Scholarship". Jewish Action Magazine
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Sue Fishkoff. "10 Years After His Death, Reach of Lubavitcher Rebbe Continues To Grow". Jewish Federations of North America. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Susan Handelman, The Lubavitcher Rebbe Died 20 Years Ago Today. Who Was He?, Tablet Magazine
  18. ↑ "Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 92 Part 1.djvu/254". Wikisource. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  19. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. pp.30-36.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Public Law 103-457". Thomas.loc.gov. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 455
  22. ↑ Introduction to Likkutei Levi Yitzchak, Kehot Publications 1970
  23. ↑ Shmuel Marcus, Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson - A brief biography
  24. ↑ Chana Schneerson, "Memoirs of Rebbetzin Chana -Part 33" Kehot, 2011.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Dara Horn, June 13, 2014 "Rebbe of Rebbe's". Book Review 'Rebbe' by Joseph Telushkin and 'My Rebbe' by Adin Steinsaltz, The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 28 December 2014
  26. ↑ Chana Vilenkin, Zalman's daughter on "The Early Years Vol I". Jewish Educational Media 2006, segment Nikolaev, Russia 1902. (UPC 874780 000525)
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Adin Steinsaltz, My Rebbe. Maggid Books, page 24
  28. ↑ Slater, Elinor, "Great Jewish Men", ISBN 0-8246-0381-8, page 277.
  29. ↑ Schneerson, Chana, A Mother in Israel Kehot Publications, 1983. ISBN 0-8266-0099-9, page 13.
  30. ↑ Adin Steinsaltz, My Rebbe. Maggid Books, 2014. Page 25.
  31. ↑ Selegson, Michoel A. Introduction to From Day to Day, English translation of the Hayom Yom, ISBN 0-8266-0669-5, p. A20.
  32. ↑ "Rabbinic Ordination - Program Three Hundred Nine - Living Torah". Chabad.org. Retrieved 2012-01-29.
  33. ↑ Ehrlich, Avrum M. (2004). The Messiah of Brooklyn: understanding Lubavitch Hasidism past and present. KTAV Publishing House, Inc. p. 35. ISBN 9780881257809.
  34. ↑ Chaim Rapoport The Afterlife of Scholarship: A Critical Review of 'The Rebbe' by Samuel Heilman and Menachem Friedman, Oporto Press, 2011, ISBN 9780615538976, p. 77.
  35. ↑ Chana Schneerson, "Memoirs of Rebbetzin Chana - Part 34" Kehot, 2011.
  36. ↑ Eli Rubin,"High Holidays in Riga: Self and Community"
  37. ↑ "The Early Years Volume II (1931–1938)" Jewish Educational Media, 2006 (UPC 74780 00058)
  38. ↑ Eli Rubin, "Studies in Berlin: Science, Torah & Quantum Theory"
  39. ↑ Heilman, Samuel & Friedman, Mencahem. The Rebbe: The Life and Afterlife of Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Princeton University Press. 2010. p. 94, p. 106. ISBN 978-0-691-13888-6.
  40. ↑ Eli Rubin, "High Holidays in Riga: Self and Community"
  41. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 465.
  42. ↑ "Of God and Man: Some thoughts on the Rebbe". JUF News. 25 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  43. ↑ Kowalsky, Sholem B. "The Rebbe and the Rav". Chabad.org. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  44. ↑ A Relationship from Berlin to New York (WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO) (Documentary). Brooklyn, NY: Chabad.org. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  45. ↑ The Rebbe in Berlin, Germany (WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO) (Documentary). Brooklyn, NY: Chabad.org. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  46. ↑ Menachem. M. Schneerson, Reshimot. Kehot Publication Society, 1994–2003
  47. ↑ Likkutei Levi Yitzchak Igrot Kodesh, Kehot Publication Society, 1972
  48. ↑ Aryeh Solomon (May 2000). The Educational Teachings of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Jason Aronson Inc. p. 310. ISBN 0-7657-6092-4.
  49. ↑ The Rebbe's Early Years Ch. 5, Pg. 326 (Oberlander, 2012)
  50. ↑ "The Early Years Volume III (1938–1940)", Jewish Educational Media, 2007
  51. ↑ The Afterlife of Scholarship Pg. 76, Fn. 196
  52. ↑ The Afterlife of Scholarship. Page 143. ISBN 978-0-615-53897-6
  53. ↑ Schneerson, Menachem M. Igrot Kodesh, vol 1, p 19–23.
  54. ↑ The Early Years Volume IV, JEM 2008 (ASIN: B001M1Z62I)
  55. ↑ Last Sea Route From Lisbon to U.S. Stops Ticket Sale to Refugees, New York Times, March 15, 1941
  56. ↑ Eli Rubin, Lisbon, 1941: The Messiah the Invalid and the Fish, Caption: An article that appeared in The Argus (Melbourne, Australia), Tuesday, May 6, 1941.
  57. ↑ Jewish Educational Media, The Rebbe and Rebbetzin Arrive in America The Early Years, vol 4.
  58. ↑ Rapoport, Chaim. The Afterlife of Scholarship. Page 144. ISBN 978-0-615-53897-6
  59. ↑ Fishkoff, Sue. The Rebbe's Army, Schoken, 2003 (08052 11381). Page 73.
  60. ↑ Milton Fechtor, Wiring the Missouri Jewish Educational Media.
  61. ↑ Yaakov Hardof, Rabbi Engineer Jewish Educational Media
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 "No One There, But This Place Is Far From Empty". New York Times. 14 January 2009. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  63. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 472.
  64. ↑ Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 475
  65. ↑ Schneerson, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, Sefer Hama’amorim Melukot Al Seder Chodshei Hashana Volume 2 Kehot Publications, 2002. ISBN 978-1-562-602-9. page 271.
  66. ↑ Menachem M. Schneerson, Igrot Kodesh. Kehot Publications, 1989. ISBN 0-8266-5812-1. Volume 12, page 404.
  67. ↑ Adin Steinsaltz, My Rebbe. Maggid Books, 2014. Page 106.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Shenker, Israel. The New York Times, Monday, March 27, 1972, reprinted on Chabad.org
  69. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 161
  70. ↑ "Shevat 10: A Day of Two Rebbes". Chabad.org. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  71. ↑ JTA, "New Rebbe Installed". January 23, 1951
  72. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 39.
  73. ↑ Kranzler, Gershon, Jewish Life, Sept.–Oct. 1951.
  74. ↑ Weiner, Herbert. Nine and 1/2 Mystics, page 158
  75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 H. Rabinowicz (1970). The World of Hasidism. Hartmore House. p. 237. ISBN 978-0-85303-035-5.
  76. ↑ "Out of The Depth's", Israel Meir Lau, p.201
  77. ↑ Edward Hoffman (May 1991). Despite All Odds: The Story of Lubavitch. Simon & Schuster. p. 32. ISBN 0-671-67703-9.
  78. ↑ Jonathan Sacks, Introduction. Torah Studies. Kehot Publication Society, 1986.
  79. ↑ "Hamodia" newspaper Vol.12944, June 13, 1994,
  80. ↑ Heilman, Samuel; Friedman, Menachem (2010). The Rebbe: The Life and Afterlife of Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Princeton University Press. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-691-13888-6.
  81. ↑ Dr. Susan Handelman, The Rebbe's Views on Women Today
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 82.2 82.3 Ruth R. Wisse (2014-06-01), "The Rebbe, Twenty Years After", Commentary Magazine
  83. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 488.
  84. ↑ Chana Schneerson, My Son Visits Every Day.
  85. ↑ Chaim Miller, Rashi's Method of Biblical Commentary.
  86. ↑ Shmully Hecht, 2014/06/29. "Remembering Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson". The New York Times.
  87. ↑ Shmuley Boteach, Judaism for Everyone. Page 209. ISBN 0-465-00794-5
  88. ↑ 70 Years, 71 New Institutions, The Living Archive, March 26, 1972. Jewish Educational Media (JEM).
  89. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014
  90. ↑ "Living Torah Archive - Living Torah". Chabad.org. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  91. ↑ ""Exodus" from Iran". Lubavitch Archives. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  92. ↑ Shlomo Shamir, August 24, 2013 "The Israeli Journalist, Iran and the Rebbes Vision"
  93. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Pages 289–290
  94. ↑ Universal Morality - The Seven Noahide Laws, chabad.org, 2006.
  95. ↑ 1983: Mankind - Life & Times, chabad.org
  96. ↑ Shmuley Boteach, April 13, 2014. Rebbe to the non-Jews, Times of Israel.
  97. ↑ Torat Menachem Hitvaduyot 5744 vol.3 pg. 1544
  98. ↑ Tekufat Limud HaRambam, Merkos L'Inyonei Chunuch, Brooklyn, 1987
  99. ↑ Hoffman 1991, p. 47
  100. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Pages 506–507.
  101. ↑ Eliezer Zalmanov, What Does A Dollar from the Rebbe Represent
  102. ↑ The New York Times "Chaya Schneerson", February 11, 1988
  103. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, June 15, 1994 "Rabbi Schneerson names no successor in will"
  104. ↑ Alan Feuer, January 14, 2009 "No One There, but This Place Is Far From Empty" The New York Times
  105. ↑ "CNN with the Rebbe." (20 October 1991) Eye to Eye: Acts of Goodness and Kindness. Jewish Educational Media (JEM). Retrieved 28 December 2014 (Media Player w/captions) Gary Tuchman and his CNN crew were also given dollars.
  106. ↑ Eli Rubin "Everyone A Tzaddik: Miracles, Transmission and Ascent"
  107. ↑ The Washington Post, June 20, 1999. 5 Years After Death, Messiah Question Divides Lubavitchers. Leyden, Liz.
  108. ↑ Gonzalez, David (1994-11-08). "''Lubavitchers Learn to Sustain Themselves Without the Rebbe'', David Gonselez, New York Times, November 8, 1994". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  109. ↑ The Encyclopedia of Hasidism, by Tzvi Rabinowicz p. 432 ISBN 1-56821-123-6.
  110. ↑ The New York Times, June 13, 1994, p. A1.
  111. ↑ Gonzalez, David. 1994-11-08 "Lubavitchers Learn to Sustain Themselves Without the Rebbe" The New York Times
  112. ↑ The Rebbe's Notebook - The Reshimot, chabad.org
  113. ↑ Menachem Butler, Visiting the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Grave in Queens, N.Y. Tablet Magazine, 2 July 2014.
  114. ↑ David M. Gitlitz & Linda Kay Davidson (2005). Pilgrimage and the Jews. Praeger. pp. 118–120. ISBN 978-0-275-98763-3.
  115. ↑ Sarah Maslin Nir, Jews Make a Pilgrimage to a Grand Rebbe's Grave. September 13, 2013, The New York times.
  116. ↑ "How to Send a letter - Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch". Ohelchabad.org. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  117. ↑ Menachem M. Schneerson, The Difference Between Faith and Trust. January 15, 1981.
  118. ↑ Yosef Abramowitz, "Better Energy, The Rebbe's Energy". The Jerusalem Post, 07/01/2014.
  119. ↑ Menachem M. Schneerson, Americas Mandate: Energy Independence. April 15, 1981
  120. ↑ The Start of "Education Day USA", compiled by Dovid Zaklikowski.
  121. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 162.
  122. ↑ Sue Fishkoff, The Rebbe's Army. Random House, 2003. Pages 192-193.
  123. ↑ Menachem M. Schneerson, "Education is the Cornerstone of Humanity". April 18, 1978.
  124. ↑ 95th Congress, Public Law 95-262. Apr. 17. 1978.
  125. ↑ Ron Kampeas, Obama: Schneerson’s legacy is ‘brighter future’. April 15, 2011, JTA.
  126. ↑ Ehrlich, M. Avrum, The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present, (KTAV Publishing, January 2005) p. 109. ISBN 0-88125-836-9
  127. ↑ The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present, M. Avrum Ehrlich, p. 105. KTAV Publishing, ISBN 0-88125-836-9
  128. ↑ The Letter and the Spirit, pages 251-252
  129. ↑ The Letter and the Spirit, page 324
  130. ↑ Letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe vol. 5, page 234
  131. ↑ The Afterlife of Scholarship Page 106 (Oporto Press, 2011)
  132. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 478.
  133. ↑ "Faithful and Fortified". Jewish Educational Media.
  134. ↑ Begin with the Rebbe Jewish Educational Media
  135. ↑ Sharon and the Rebbe. Jewish Educational Media
  136. ↑ The Rebbe to Sharon: Don't Leave the IDF, letter to Ariel Sharon, translated from the original Hebrew.
  137. ↑ Rabin with the Rebbe. Jewish Educational Media
  138. ↑ Dont Be Intimidated Jewish Educational Media
  139. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 563.
  140. ↑ Menacehm M. Schneerson, "I don't interfere in politics". April 1, 1990.
  141. ↑ "The Lubavitcher Rebbe On Syria and Iran". YouTube. 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  142. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Pages 271-290.
  143. ↑ The Light of Truth at the UN, (video) Excerpt: Prime Minister Netanyahu at the General Assembly, Sept 23, 2011.
  144. ↑ Challenge, page 144, Jerrold & Sons
  145. ↑ Menachem M. Schneerson, G-d is Guarding His Children; You Can Help, Jewish Educational Media
  146. ↑ Collier, Bernard L. (May 27, 1968). "Hassidic Jews Confront Hippies to Press a Joyous Occasion". New York: New York Times. pp. 49
  147. ↑ Rapoport, Chaim. The Afterlife of Scholarship. p. 88 ISBN 9780615538976
  148. ↑ Sichot Kodesh 5736, vol. 2, page 625
  149. ↑ Mintz, Jerome. Hasidic People: A Place in the New World, page 52. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, 1992
  150. ↑ Harris, Ben. "Chassidic Sects Battle Each Other", Canadian Jewish News, April 1, 1977
  151. ↑ Sichot Kodesh 5736, vol. 2, pages 626-627
  152. ↑ Ehrlich 2004, Chapter 14 notes
  153. ↑ Hyam Maccoby (1994-06-13). "Obituary: Rabbi Menachem Schneerson - People - News". The Independent. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  154. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 299.
  155. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Pp. 291-292.
  156. ↑ JTA, Lubavitcher Hassidim Oppose Public Demonstrations on Behalf of Soviet Jews 1970-12-31.
  157. ↑ "Obituary: Senator Jacob ("Chic") Hecht (1929-2006)". 2006-05-15.
  158. ↑ "Our Story - Who We Are". Chabad's Children of Chernobyl. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  159. ↑ Eglash, Ruth (2011-04-26). "Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl project ‘as vital as ever'". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  160. ↑ Lightstone, Mordechai (2011-11-07). "Natan Sharansky Praises Work of Chabad at Federation General Assembly". Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  161. ↑ "Rebbe", Telushkin, Joseph. HarperCollins 2014, page 566
  162. ↑ The Jewish Week, "Free Book Excerpt From "Rebbe"".
  163. ↑ "Jewish Literacy", Telushkin, William Morrow 2001, p.470
  164. ↑ List of Chabad Centers in Israel, chabad.org
  165. ↑ Fishkoff, Sue. The Rebbe's Army, page 14
  166. ↑ Eric Yoffie, The Chabad Challenge. Union for Reform Judaism, 2002.
  167. ↑ Peggy Noonan, What I Saw at the Revolution: A Political Life in the Reagan Era. Random House, 1990. Page 346.
  168. ↑ "Ronald Reagan: Proclamation 4921 - National Day of Reflection". American Presidency Project. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  169. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 4.
  170. ↑ "Tens of Thousands Mourn the Death of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 1994-06-13. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  171. ↑ Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 514.
  172. ↑ "nmajh.org". nmajh.org. Retrieved 2012-01-29.
  173. ↑ Yehiel Poupko, Of God and Man: Some thoughts on the Rebbe. 6/25/2014, JUF News.
  174. ↑ Kowalsky, S.B. From My Zaidy's House, page 274-275
  175. ↑ "Excerpt: The Rebbe and the Rav". YouTube. 2007-02-05. Retrieved 2012-01-29.
  176. ↑ Mordechai, Rabbi. "Teacher and Leader for All Jews - Life". Chabad.org. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  177. ↑ Following his attendance at one such talk, Rabbi Yitzchak Yedidya Frankel said "I have witnessed the magnificence of Polish Jewry...and I have known most of the great scholars of recent generations. But I have never seen such command of the material. That is genius." Out of the Depths Israel Meir Lau, Sterling Publishing, 2011 p.202.
  178. ↑ "Hamodia" Vol.12944, June 13, 1994, pg.2
  179. ↑ Coauthor Avraham Vaisfiche; Translated by Shmuel Simpson (2009). Path to Selflessness - Maamar Yehuda Ata (מאמר יהודה אתה תשל"ח). Kehot Publication Society. ISBN 9780826607508.
  180. ↑ Translated by Yosef B. Marcus (2001). Garments of the Soul: A Chasidic Discourse. Kehot Publication Society. ISBN 9780826605528.
  181. ↑
    • Coauthor Nissan Mindel (1998). The Letter & the Spirit. Letters By the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Volume I. Brooklyn, NY: Kehot Publication Society. ISBN 9780826600059.
    • The Letter and the Spirit Volume II, Nissan Mindel Publications 2013
  182. ↑ 182.0 182.1 The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present, M. Avrum Ehrlich, Chapter 20, KTAV Publishing, ISBN 0-88125-836-9
  183. ↑ 183.0 183.1 183.2 Joseph Telushkin, Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. HarperCollins, 2014. Page 431
  184. ↑ J. Immanuel Schochet, The Personality of Mashiach. 1991.
  185. ↑ Aharon Lichtenstein, Eulogy for the Rebbe. June 16, 1994.
  186. ↑ The Rebbe’s Army. Page 320.
  187. ↑ The New York Times, Statement From Agudas Chasidei Chabad, Feb 9, 1996.

Citations

Further reading

External links

Works available online

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Works available on iTunes

Biography

Historical sites

Preceded by
Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn		 Rebbe of Lubavitch
1951–1994 		Succeeded by
N/A