Chabad messianism

Chabad messianism, or Lubavitch messianism,[1] generally refers to the passion among adherents of the Chabad movement regarding the coming of the Messiah and their goal to raise awareness that his arrival is imminent. In addition, Chabad messianism also refers to the hope that that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson could himself be the Messiah.[2][3][4] The concept that the Messiah can come at any given moment, is a basic tenet of Judaism. The idea that the leader of a Hasidic group could be the Messiah is a nuanced and complex idea that traces itself back to the times of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism.[5][6] During Rabbi Schneerson’s life, his supporters claimed that many Jews hoped that he would be the Messiah. This idea gained great vocal attention during the last years of Schneerson life.[7][8][9]

During those years, there were strong forces within the Chabad–Lubavitch movement, led by the two executors of Schneerson's will; Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, and Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, resisting the messianic movement.[10][11]

Since his death, there are those who have persisted in the belief that Schneersons could still be the Messiah, sometimes extremely vocally. Some messianists refuse to admit that Schneerson died, instead proclaiming that he is still alive.[12] The Chabad–Lubavitch umbrella organization, Agudas Chasidei Chabad, and the governing body of Chabad–Lubavitch rabbis, Vaad Rabonei Lubavitch, have both denounced the messianic behavior.[13][14] The issue received much negative attention. To this day it remains controversial.[15][16][17]

Concept

Background

The Chabad messianist flag. The Hebrew word is "Mashiach", meaning "Messiah".

During Menachem M. Schneerson's life some of his supporters thought that he could be revealed as the Messiah. There were many Chabad Hasidim who proclaimed this very passionately. This concept, that a righteous Jewish leader may be revealed as the Messiah, was believed by many rabbis and scholars regarding their own leaders throughout Jewish history.[18]

This idea finds its earliest roots in an early 4th century discussion in the Talmud: After schools of various prominent rabbis each cite proof-texts that the name of the Messiah is indeed that of their very own teacher, Rabbi Nachman says, "If he [the Messiah] is among the living, he is someone like me." The Talmud then cites the sage Rav: "If the Messiah is among the living, then he is someone like our holy Rabbi [i.e., Rabbi Judah, the editor of the Mishnah]. [And] if he is from among the dead, he is someone like Daniel."[19]

Maimonides ruled the following as the definitive criteria for identifying the mashiach: If we see a Jewish leader who (a) toils in the study of Torah and is meticulous about the observance of the mitzvot, (b) influences the Jews to follow the ways of the Torah and (c) wages the "battles of God"—such a person is the "presumed mashiach". If the person succeeded in all these endeavors, and then rebuilds the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and facilitates the in-gathering of the Jews to the Land of Israel—then we are certain that he is the "actual mashiach".

Chezkat Mashiach and Mashiach Vadai

According to Maimonides there are two forms of the Messiah. The presumed messiah, known as the "Chezkat Mashiach" and the actual messiah, known as the "Mashiach Vadai".[20]

Mashiach Shebador

In addition, a number of Talmudic texts, and subsequent writings of Halachic authorities, speak of the idea that in most generations there is at least one person who is worthy and has the potential of being the Messiah.[6]

This third form of the messiah is referred to in halachik writings as the Mashiach Shebador, meaning the messiah of the generation. According to the Chatam Sofer: "In every generation there is one righteous man (tzaddik) who merits to be the Messiah... and when the time comes, God will reveal Himself to him and send him."[21] According to Rabbi Chaim Hezekiah Medini, not only is there such a figure in each generation, but this figure was sometimes explicitly identified as such. "They assumed who it [Messiah] may be... Rabbi Judah the prince... in his generation they said and knew that it was he who was worthy... and [he goes through a few other generations and then adds] based on this the disciples of the Arizal wrote that in his time it was him. All this is simple and straightforward."[22] If God decided the time is right, the mashiach shebador will begin the mission, making him the presumed messiah. If he fulfills that mission in its entirety he would be the actual messiah.

Anticipation

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (1838-1933)

Anticipation for the coming of the Mashiach, and belief in the imminent arrival, has been on the hearts and minds of Jews through the past two millennia. Maimonides ruled that all Jews must believe with perfect faith, each day, that the mashiach will come and the resurrected of the dead will take place. He rules that anyone who does not believe this, denies the entire Torah.[23] The Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, wrote "our days are the days of Messiah’s coming. Hear my brothers and friends; these are the days of Messiah. It is clear that our days are the days of Messiah’s coming,"[24] and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, wrote that "we are obligated to anticipate the arrival of the Messiah on any given day as a near certainty."

Schneerson himself said many times that the final definition of the identity of the Messiah was ruled upon by Maimonides. Accordingly, until the Holy Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt and the Jews have been gathered from the diaspora, the Messiah has not yet arrived and his identity not yet been revealed.

Messianism in Hasidism

Background

Hasidim in general, focused very much on the Mashiach and future redemption. In a vision in which Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, encountered the Mashiach, the former asked the latter when he will come. The Mashiach answered "when your teachings [of Hasidism] will be spread forth". Many Hasidic discourses speak of the need to refine the world and prepare it for its ultimate perfectness when the Mashiach will come.[25]

Throughout Hasidic history, there have also been numerous cases of Rebbes that have been identified by their Hasidim as worthy of being the Messiah. These figures were not thought of having been the actual Messiah, since the criteria that must be fulfilled by the Messiah have been clearly stipulated by Maimonodes. Followers hoped that it would be their leader who would be the Messiah and occasionally spoke of him as the Messiah.[26]

Dr. Yehuda Eisenstein records in his book Otzer Yisrael, that followers of Hasidic Rebbes strongly hope that their leader will be the one God chooses to be the Messiah "the chasidim believe, that even though there are many righteous people in the generation, each of whom is exceptional in his way of divine service and righteousness, each of whom has godly powers of spirituality, nevertheless there is always one who is above all the rest, he is the one who is the tzadik of the generation. He is the one who is the messiah of the generation."[27]

Messianism in Chabad

As with other Chasidic groups,[27] Chabad Chasidim had a history of hoping that their Rebbes would be the Messiah. Schneerson himself spoke of his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, as the mashiach of his generation. In addition, the Chabad Rebbes often spoke with great passion about the coming of the redemption and the Messiah's imminent arrival.[7]

In a speech in 1942 Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik, praised the efforts of the Chabad Lubavitch campaign to raise awareness to the coming of the Masiach. Rav Soloveitchik said, "The Lubavitcher Rebbe speaks and publicizes about the Mashiach and a tumult has erupted, an uproar and an outcry. What is wrong, I ask? That people who are heretics decry him; I understand. That those who violate the Shabbat decry him; I understand. But that those who study the Talumud and Chassidus decry him; this is inconceivable...Are we not allowed to talk about the belief in the Mashiach anymore?"[28]

During Schneerson's life

Schneerson's passion for the imminent arrival of the Messiah

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn (1880-1950)

After Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn died in 1950, his son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson soon became the seventh Rebbe. The Rebbe was a passionate believer in the coming of the mashiach. In a letter to Israeli President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Schneerson wrote: "From the time that I was a child attending Cheder, and even before, the vision of the future Redemption began to take form in my imagination -- the Redemption of the Jewish people from their final Exile, a redemption of such magnitude and grandeur through which the purpose of the suffering, the harsh decrees, and annihilation of Exile will be understood."[29] Rabbi Schneerson also encouraged people to focus on Messiah very much. Beginning with his very first farbrengen as Rebbe, he spoke of this generation's mission to complete the Dira Betachtonim, and urged everyone to do all within their power to help the world reach its ultimate state of perfection, when Godliness and goodness will be naturally apparent and prevalent, with the final redemption.[30]

Schneerson would finish almost every public talk of his with a prayer for the imminent arrival of the Messiah. As early as the 1970s, he sought to raise awareness of the Messianic age by encouraging people to learn and become knowledgeable in the laws of the Holy Temple, laws that will only apply when the Messiah actually comes. In this connection, he quoted from earlier rabbinic opinion that learning about the redemption would raise awareness of and could actually bring the Messiah sooner. Rabbi Schneerson would frequently quote the many sages who stated that this generation was the last generation of the exile and would be the first generation of redemption and would quote the Chafetz Chaim and others, who stated that actively asking for the Messiah's coming is crucial.[31]

Criticism of Schneerson's passion for the arrival of the Messiah

As Schneerson's passion about the need for Messiah became more well-known, criticism also built up. In 1980, a group of children from a Chabad summer camp composed a song with the words "am yisrael [nation of Israel] have no fear, Moshiach will be here this year, we want Moshiach now, we don’t want to wait." Rabbi Schneerson seems to have received great satisfaction from the children's initiative, and greatly encouraged their song.[32]

In light of some criticism about the insistent tone of these words, on one occasion he explained "This has always been the hope and yearning of the Jewish people – that the Messiah should come now, immediately. Therefore it is inappropriate for someone to say that he does not want, or that he does not agree, or that he is not comfortable that people are imploring 'we want moshiach now.' Each Jew clearly prays and pleads three times a day in the amida, while standing before the Al-mighty (at that time a person is certainly speaking the truth, and saying what he means) et tzemach davud avdecha me’hera tatzmiach [that we merit the final redemption and coming of the Messiah speedily], and then continues ki lishuatcha kivinu kol hayom, that he hopes for this the entire day!"[33]

Schneerson urged and talked about purifying all parts of the world through Torah and Mitzvahs in order to bring Mashiach. Many times he would weep publicly about the deep slumber and exile we are in, and how urgent it is that God redeem us, both for our sake as well as even for His own.[34]

Nevertheless, criticism of his passion about the coming of the Messiah and, his urging people to do all they could to bring about the redemption by adding in the observance of Torah and Mitzvahs, was something that was known to him. On one occasion he even remarked "I have merited that the complaint people have against me is that I am passionate about the Mashiach."[32]

Talk of Schneerson as the Messiah

Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson (1902-1994)

Many Chassidim of the seventh Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson felt that he is the Mashiach of the generation, even though he never said so himself. In fact, on several occasions, he publicly lambasted those who engaged in messianic speculation, and harshly rejected private missives that were sent to him in which people referred to him as the messiah.[35]

According to research by Rachel Elior, the belief that the Rebbe would be the messiah built up during the 1980s. She asserts that messianism can be traced back even to the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, but cites evidence that the 1980s saw an upsurge. Nevertheless, this hope was initially kept to a hush.[36]

Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo brought up the issue in 1984 by publishing a booklet declaring Schneerson to be the Messiah. Schneerson responded by banning the publication and forbidding Wolpo from involvement with any Messiah related topics.[37] Wolpo would later argue that despite the Rebbe's strong opposition, "everyone must still consider and proclaim the Rebbe as the Messiah" arguing that "acceptance of the Messiah must be done by the people not by the King".[38]

As the years went on, and recognition of Schneerson as being so toweringly unique, a Rebbe of truly unprecedented and universally recognized stature, spread ever further, this Messianic speculation spread to greater numbers and higher volume than in previous generations. The chasidim became vocal of their hope that Schneerson would be the one to be the Messiah.[7]

Rabbi Chaim Bergstein was quoted as saying "I'm not saying he is or isn't Mashiach, but there is no one as learned ... in this generation." Time magazine journalist Lisa Beyer reported that Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael said he wished that Schneerson should be revealed as the Messiah."[39] Even Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky told the New York Times in 1988: "Our sages tell us that the Messiah is a man of flesh and blood who lives among us... If I were asked in this generation who was the most suitable, beyond any question, in my mind, it would be the Rebbe."[40]

Some Chabad hasidim took their message to the streets with billboards declaring that it was time for the Messiah to come and bring the redemption.[41]

Schneerson's response

The first record of Hasids referring to Schneerson in messianic terms was in 1965. That year, Rabbi Avraham Parizh printed letters that spoke of Schneerson as the Messiah and started handing them out in Israel. When Schneerson learned of this, he immediately dispatch a telegram to Parizh in Israel saying that he was "shocked by the letter [you wrote and disseminated]" and asked that Parizh "immediately cease distributing it." Schneerson instructed Parich to "gather and send to all extant copies of the letter, every last one, and please confirm immediately that you have fulfilled this instruction."[42]

In 1984 Sholom Dov Wolpo published a booklet identifying Schneerson as the Messiah. Schneerson publicly denounced these actions several times. During one of these talks he said that those involved [in the publication] were starting a new war against Chabad, and that he should never have to speak about it again. On Shabbat Bereshit, when Wolpo began singing a song that had long been popular in Lubavitch, which referred to Schneerson as the messiah, he abruptly stopped the singing and ordered that it never be sung again.[43]

In 1991, Rabbi Aharon Dov Halprin, the editor of Chabad’s Israeli magazine (Kfar Chabad) prepared an article that explained why the Rebbe was worthy of being considered Messiah. When the Rebbe got word of this he responded sharply, "If you, God forbid, [plan to] do anything even remotely similar, it is preferable that you shut down the periodical completely".

On a number of occasions Schneerson said that Rabbis should issue a psak din that Moshiach must come. In 1988 Rabbi Yitzchak Hendel issued a ruling stating, not that the Messiah must come, but that the Rebbe was to be the Messiah. When the Rebbe saw the ruling, he responded to Hendel and wrote “me’heichan dantuni? (- a Talmudic term connoting: on what basis have you ruled against me?) Is this the standard of all your rabbinic rulings!?”[44]

And in an urgent Yechidus with Rabbi Tuvia Peles, the Rebbe rebuked those who were making Messianic claims about him, saying "they are taking a knife to my heart. They are tearing off parts of me."

In the late 1980s and early 1990s Schneerson's talks became increasingly focused on the topic of Moshiach, that Moshiach was about to come, and what was needed to accomplish this. These talks would often take on a sense of urgency. This, coupled with Schneerson's frequent statement that ours is the "Last Generation of galut (exile) and it is the first generation of Geulah, the redemption" is one of the arguments put forward that the Rebbe is the messiah. On one occasion, during the Rebbe's talk at the International Conference of Shluchim ("emissaries"), he stated, "the work of the Shluchim has already finished, and the only task left is to welcome Moshiach".

In the early 1990s Hasidim became more vocal about Schneerson being the Moshiach, even submitting a petition to him asking that he reveal himself as the long-awaited messiah.

On one occasion in 1991, as the Rebbe was leaving the evening prayers when traditionally someone would start a song and the Rebbe would encourage it on his way out of the synagogue, some Chasidim began singing one of the Rebbe’s favorite lively songs, adding the words of Yechi -- "Long live our master, our teacher, our Rebbe, King Moshiach." The next morning, however, the Rebbe refused to go down to the synagogue until he was assured by Rabbi Groner that there would be no such songs sung again. Indeed, the song was never again sung in front of the Rebbe until some months after a stroke felled him and removed his ability to speak or write.

A few months later, a few people did muster the courage to start singing at an intermission in a Shabbos farbrengen a less overt song that implied that the Rebbe was the messiah. Within a few seconds the Rebbe heard it and immediately became very grave and said: “Really, I should get up and leave [the room]. Even if some people consider it is not respectful that I need to [be the one to leave], I don’t need to reckon with the views of a small number when [what they are saying] is the opposite of reality. However, first of all, it will unfortunately not help anyway. Secondly, it will disrupt the shevet achim gam yachad [brethren to dwell together in unity], for if I were to leave, others will leave, too."[45]

In 1992, a journalist from Israel said to the Rebbe, "We appreciate you very much, we want to see you in Israel; you said soon you will be in Israel, so when will you come?" The Rebbe responded: “I also want to be in Israel.” The journalist insisted, "So when, when will you come?" The Rebbe responded, “That depends on the Moshiach, not on me.” The journalist persisted, “You are the Moshiach!” to which the Rebbe responded, "I am not."[46]

During Schneerson's illness

On March 2, 1992, while praying at the Ohel, the site where his father-in-law is buried, Schneerson suffered a massive stroke.[17] That very evening, while he was being treated for his stroke and Chabad Chassidim around the world gathered for prayer, some of the messianists broke out in song and dance. It was during this period of illness and inability to communicate that the messianic movement reached its greatest fervor, and became more vocal of their hope that Schneerson would soon be the Mashiach. This also troubled many people who felt that it was being imposed upon Schneerson as something he had no control over.[30]

In the fall of 1992, a special balcony was constructed on the upper level of the synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway overlooking the main sanctuary to allow Schneerson to participate at the daily prayers. It soon became customary for many chassidim to recite the Yechi after prayer to which Schneerson made encouraging motions with his left hand (his right side had been paralyzed by the stroke). On certain occasions; the Rebbe made increasingly big signs of encouragement such as on Rosh Chodesh Kislev 1992 (5753); when the Rebbe moved his hand back and forth with extreme energy.

During the next two years, the messianists began publicizing their message on television and in newspaper advertisements. Some of Schneerson's collected speeches from the previous two years of his life were collected into pamphlets and published under the title Besuras Hageula. These especially were distributed by the messianic chasidim in an effort to bolster the case that he would be the Messiah despite his illness and that the coming of the Messiah is imminent. Such publications was used to bolster the hope that Schneerson would be the Mashiach.

By late 1992, with much talk of Schneerson as the Messiah, a movement to formally crown Schneerson as Messiah gained prominence. Rabbi Shmuel Butman announced his plan to coronate the Rebbe.[47][48] The Rebbe, who had been paralyzed and speechless since March the previous year, would join the daily prayers on a special balcony that was built for him to easily be wheeled. Butman planned to crown the Rebbe on January 30, 1993 after the evening prayers. However, when the Rebbe got word of the planned event, he communicated to his secretaries Leibel Groner and Yudel Krinsky that he would only attend for the usual evening service. Both Groner and Krinsky, then followed by Butman, announced that the event was actually not a coronation and should not be intended as such.[49]

Schneerson's death

On 3 Tammuz 1994, more than two years after he suffered a stroke that took away his ability to speak, the Rebbe died. His death left the Chabad community, much of the Jewish world, and even beyond, in mourning.[50] From all over the world, people streamed to New York to participate in the funeral. The New York Times placed six articles about the Rebbe in the paper that week. Television devoted many hours of broadcast time to Schneerson’s death. The New York Times reported from the funeral that the death had left many Jews stunned:[51]

“ Not all of Rabbi Schneerson's followers were Hasidim. Conservative and Reform Jews were among his greatest supporters. ”

However, his view was not shared by all. Some of the messianists were so caught up with their hope, that they interpreted each new erosion in the Rebbe's health, and ultimately his very death, as stages in the messianic process. They cited various midrashic statements to fuel their ecstasy as to the imminent revelation of the Messiah, and some of them drank and toasted l’chaim and danced before and during the funeral - an act that shocked many admirers of Schneerson across the Jewish world. And in the days after Schneerson's death, many journalists and pundits wrote how they expected the end of the movement.[52]

For many Chabad followers, the death of the Rebbe was extremely painful. He was laid to rest next to his father-in-law, at the Ohel, at the Montefiore cemetery in queens. As is the tradition in Chabad, dating back to the first Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the date of all the Rebbes' deaths are referred to by their Hebrew dates. In the case of Schneerson, his death became known as "Gimmel Tammuz" the third of Tammuz.

In the week after the Rebbe's death the Wisconsin Chronicle editorialized and wrote how many Jews now find it difficult to believe that Messiah will ever come:

“ Most modern Jews can't help but shrug at some claims that Schneerson is, or was, the most likely candidate in our time to be the Messiah, the Kind David-descended redeemer who according to tradition will inaugurate the final age of world peace and plenty. But if a Messiah does come, that personality likely will have much in common with Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. ”

The belief that Schneerson would still be the Messiah after his death

For many hopeful, often vocal, followers, Schneerson's death did not necessarily rule out the hope that he could still be the Mashiach.

There are Talmudic and Halakhic sources that speak of the possibility that a righteous Jewish leader could be resurrected to become the Mashiach. These positions, although not well-known, figure quite prominently and early in authentic Judaic sources.

The Babylonian Talmud states: "If he [the Messiah] is among the dead, he is someone like Daniel."[19] In fact, the most well-known deceased figure identified as being able to be the Messiah is King David. Not that he is the Mashiach, but that he perhaps could be. As the Jerusalem Talmud states: "The Rabbis say, who is King Messiah? If he is from the living, David is his name, if he is from the deceased, David is still his name." According to Rabbi Moses Margolies, a commentator on the Jerusalem Talmud known as the Pnei Moshe, the Talmud rules that: "If he [the Messiah] is among the living, David will be his name, and if he is from among the dead, he is David himself".[53]

Other rabbinic sages object to the notion that Mashiach will be someone who had once lived, died and was then resurrected. As Maimonides writes: "Even if one is worthy of being Mashiach, if he is killed it is certain that he is not Mashiach."[54][55]

Expressions

Messianists

The Messianist Flag in Jerusalem

Subsequent to Schneerson's death, vocal messianists have continued to proclaim that Schneerson is still alive. Some of them argue that just as the talmud states that "Jacob did not die" a teaching that carries great nuanuced significance in kabalistic thought, so too "Schneerson did not die".[56][57][58]

Among religious Jews, reference to one who has died is followed by expressions such as alav hashalom or zechuto yagen alenu. Messianists do not use such terms when writing of Schneerson.[59] Some messianists have even continued to use terms that indicate that Schneerson is still alive such as shlita.[54]

Generally speaking, the majority of this group consists of very vocal Israeli youth, particularly those educated in the city of Safed. There are also members of the messianic camp within the Crown Heights community and elsewhere who share these views. These individuals can usually be identified by the small yellow pin, known as the Moshiach flag worn on their lapel (or hat), and the Hebrew words of "Yechi" emblazoned on their kippot.[35] Since Schneersons death, Beis Moshiach magazine has been a major organ for views within this camp of the messianist. Between the years 1998-2004, the messianists have garnered support from rabbis to issue a Rabbinic ruling supporting their messianic claims.[60]

These views have led to much controversy and condemnation.[54][61][62]

Anti-Messianists

Regardless of Schneerson death, the majority of Chabad Chassidim continue to see his as the most righteous Jewish leader of the time, the nasi hador, whose influence throughout the world remains very palpable.[63] They acknowledge that he died, visit his grave and observe yahrtzeit.[64][65] They tend to place little or no emphasis on whether or not the Schneerson will be mashiach. Instead they focus on actually trying to carry out and fulfill Schneersons vision of making the world a better place.[66]

They are aware of Schneerson's negative reactions when people tried making Messianic claims about him, and are acutely aware of how much Schneerson, their tzaddik ha'dor and their moshiach sh'b'dor, expects of them to accomplish both in the realm of their own personal service of God, in helping to bring the beauty of Judaism to Jews, and to spread the beauty of monotheism to the world at large.[35][66]

They hold that they have no way of knowing who will be the Moshiach, although they may wish it will be Schneerson.[35][67][68]

Prevalence

A private sign in Crown Heights.

The greatest criticism of chabad messiansim was leveled by Professor David Berger. In a series or articles that were later published in his book The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference, Berger argued that there is no source in Jewish theology for the concept that a Messiah will come, begin his mission, only to die, and then be resurrected to complete his mission. As a result of this, Berger argued that Chabad Messianism, which he claimed was prevalent in majority of Chabad and it's largest institutions, was beyond the pale of Orthodoxy and perhaps even heretical. His positions sparked much controversy in the Jewish world during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In his book he documents his efforts to mobilize other rabbis and rabbinical organizations to delegitimize Chabad. He concludes by recording his great frustrations in not being able to achieve this.

Messianism is not advocated in any of Chabad's official literature.[69][70] According to Rabbi Shmotkin, the Chabad spokesman, Chabad-Lubavitch leaders have "repeatedly condemned them [messianists] in the strongest possible terms".[71]

Journalist Sue Fishkoff notes that the idea that most Lubavitchers are messianist is "a claim that is patently absurd. Here everyone is treading on thin ice, for no one can know precisely how deep Chabad messianism goes. When Berger and other critics claim that it affects the majority of the Chabad movement, they have no greater statistical backing than do those who suggest it is on the decline."[72]

Responses

Reaction to claims that Schneerson could be the Mashiach

The reaction of many Torah scholars to the idea that Schneerson could be the Messiah varied.

During his life, numerous rabbis and Jewish leaders, expressed their views that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson had the potential to be the Messiah of the generation. There has been a general decline in that view since his death.[18][73]

Among those who stated that Schneerson had the potential to have been the Mashiach, one finds Dr. David Berger, who despite a sharp polemic against the vocal messianic movement that has pursued since Schneerson's death, has written that while he was alive "Judaism has never had a serious messianic candidate with the curriculum vitae of the Rebbe zt”l. Virtually all the accolades heaped upon him... are true.[74]

Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, of the Gush Etzion yeshiva, spoke of the fact that people hoped that Schneerson could be the Mashiach during at his yeshiva when the Rebbe died by saying how "it never occurred to anyone to declare that Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Aharon Kotler, or the Rav was the Messiah. And did they not have followers? Did they not have a tradition? Were they not part of a long dynasty? They certainly did." Lichtenstein continued and said that it seemed to him that:

“ "at the root of the matter, the concept of Messianism attached itself to the Rebbe because of his image and status – their positive aspects. The Rebbe embodied – and in a powerful way – a certain combination in which one who wished to could see the reflection of a reflection of the Messiah King."[7] ”

Dr. Norman Lamm, also said of Schneerson that "If [people] believe the Rebbe could have been Moshiach, fine, I agree... He had a far better chance than most."[75] Although once the Rebbe died, he didn’t see that as a possibility.[76] Lamm also argued that messianists had misinterpreted Schneerson's statements to create a "distortion" leading to "moral nihilism."[77] According to Lamm open efforts to declare Schneerson the messiah were not been tolerated before his death: "When he was alive, no one would have dared to discuss this. But now it is easy for the messianically-oriented to distort the Rebbe's teachings".[78]

Long time critics of Schneerson from Bnei Brak in Israel, have been the most vocal in their criticism of Schneerson and Chabad.[54] The most notable of these critics was Rabbi Elazar Shach, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Ponevezh yeshiva.

Shach was a known critic of Schneerson and the Chabad movement and he repeatedly attacked Schneerson and his followers on a number of issues, including messianism. When people became more vocal about the possibility of Schneerson being the Messiah, Shach advocated a complete boycott of Chabad.[79][80]

Other Bnei Brak leaders, including Rabbi Chaim Shaul Karelitz, the former av bet din of the She'erit Yisrael Kashrut organization of Bnei Brak, Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg, a rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, have also all spoken negatively of those who wish Schneerson would be the Messiah.[81]

In America, numerous Litvish leaning rabanim have also spoken negatively of this form of messinism, including Rabbi Elya Svei, Rabbi Aharon Feldman, of the Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Rabbi Shlomo Miller, a Rosh Kolel (dean) of the Kolel Avreichim Institute for Advanced Talmud Study in Toronto and head of its Beis Din, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Rav of the Agudath Israel of Baltimore and the Star-K, and Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller who all issued harsh criticism.[54]

Rabbi Aharon Feldman, quoting Maimonides states that

“ Even if one is worthy of being Mashiach, upon his death it is certain that he is not Mashiach ”

.[82] Feldman claims that anyone that can believe that the last Lubavitcher Rebbe is worthy of being the Messiah has as a “compromised judgment” and is “ignorant of Torah.”[83]

Other American torah authorities, such as the Ugarer Rav Rabbi Menashe Klein, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann of the Agudath Israel of Baltimore and the Star-K kashrus, the posek Rabbi Yehuda Henkin, Rabbi Chaim Brovender and Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik argue that while there may be sources for messianism, it is a shtut that should not be followed.[84][85][86]

Soloveichik's own written statements on the issue have themselves been the focus of controversy. A 1996 letter signed by Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik states that

“ "Before the passing of the Rebbe, I included myself among those who believe that the Rebbe was worthy of being Moshiach. And I strongly believe that had we, particularly the Orthodox community, been united, we would have merited to see the complete Redemption. Insofar as the belief . . . that the Rebbe can still be Moshiach, in light of the Gemara in Sanhedrin, the Zohar, Abarbanel, Kisvei Arizal, S’dei Chemed, and other sources, it cannot be dismissed."[87] ”

Soloveitchik adds that "any cynical attempt at utilizing a legitimate disagreement of interpretation concerning this matter in order to besmirch and to damage the Lubavitch movement that was, and continues to be, at the forefront of those who are battling the missionaries, assimilation, and indifference, can only contribute to the regrettable discord that already plagues the Jewish community, and particularly the Torah community."[87]

But a 2000 letter from Soloveichik states that there have been those who have "persisted in stating that I validate their belief that a Jewish Messiah may be resurrected from the dead. I completely reject and vigorously deny any such claim. As I have already stated publicly. . . My intent in signing the original letter . . . was merely to express my opinion that we should not label subscribers to these beliefs as heretics."[88]

Messianic Rabbinic ruling

Ruling signed by 100 rabbis declaring the Lubavitcher Rebbe to be Moshiach

Between the years 1998-2004, a Rabbinic ruling supporting the messianic claim that the Rebbe is the Moshiach was issued and signed by 100 Rabbis.[60]

Israeli Chief Rabbinate

2000 pronouncement

In January 2000, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel released a statement regarding the issue of Schneerson being worthy of being the mashiach, and declarations made by messianists, saying that such declarations "confuse and mislead simple people." The statement continued to mention that the Chief Rabbinate "[has] no intention, God forbid, of diminishing the greatness and the global activities of the Rebbe of blessed memory."[89]

2007 conversion case

A conversion case in 2007 of a man educated by Chabad messinists who wished to convert led to controversy, with two Israeli rabbis saying the messianic views were "beyond the pale of normative Judaism" and the man should therefore not be allowed to convert. The Chief Rabbinate ruled in favor of the conversion.[90]

Reaction by Chabad-Lubavitch leadership

A statement from Agudas Chasidi Chabad said: “With regard to some recent statements and declarations by individuals and groups concerning the matter of Moshiach and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of sainted memory, let it be known that the views expressed in these notices are in no way a reflection of the movement's position. While we do not intend to preclude expressions of individual opinion, they are, in fact, misleading and a grave offense to the dignity and expressed desires of the Rebbe.

"The Rebbe clearly inspired a heightened consciousness of Moshiach, one of Judaism's principles of faith, and towards this end, encouraged the study of the traditional sources concerning belief in Moshiach, the Redemption and its imminent fulfillment, as well as an increase in activities of goodness and kindness. This should be perpetuated by all, as we strive for a more perfect world and the fulfillment of the Rebbe's vision."

The statement continues that:

“ Unfortunately, the Rebbe's words are now being distorted and quoted out of context by a numbered few. This reckless behavior, even if well intentioned, is antithetical in the extreme to all that Lubavitch represents as defined by the Rebbe. The Rebbe explicitly and emphatically advocated a thoughtful, respectful and responsible approach in this and related matters, and resolutely opposed such distorted pronouncements time after time, both publicly and privately.[91] ”

A statement from Vaad Rabonei Lubavicth said:

“ Belief in the coming of Moshiach and awaiting his imminent arrival is a basic tenet of the Jewish faith. It is clear, however, that conjecture as to the possible identity of Moshiach is not part of the basic tenet of Judaism. The preoccupation with identifying the Rebbe (zatza"l) as Moshiach is clearly contrary to the Rebbe's wishes. Together with the whole of Klal Yisrael we pray for the fulfillment of our collective yearning for Moshiach, in the spirit of the timeless Jewish declaration: ‘I await his (Moshiach's) coming each and every day.'[92] ”

Progressive response

Philosopher Rabbi David Hartman expressed his concern about the developing messianism early on, while Schneerson was still alive, saying that "the outpouring of Messianic fervor is always a very disturbing development."[93]

Senior Reform Rabbi and humanitarian activist Arthur Lelyveld was also scathing about the messianist trends within the Chabad movement describing the organisation as having a "cult like" atmosphere.[94]

Anthropology: Comparisons with early Christianity

Some scholars of religion have made comparison with the development of early Christianity:[95] Anthropologist Joel Marcus writes:

“ The recent history of the modern Chabad (Lubavitcher) movement of Hasidic Judaism provides insight into the development of early Christianity. In both movements successful eschatological prophecies have increased belief in the leader's authority, and there is a mixture of ‘already’ and ‘not yet’ elements. Similar genres of literature are used to spread the good news (e.g. miracle catenae and collections of originally independent sayings). Both leaders tacitly accepted the messianic faith of their followers but were reticent about acclaiming their messiahship directly. The cataclysm of the Messiah's death has led to belief in his continued existence and even resurrection."[96] ”

Such comparisons are something which makes many Orthodox Jews uncomfortable. Scholar Mark Winer has noted that "The Lubavitcher movement's suggestions that their late Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson is the Messiah, reflect Christian millenarianism."[97]

Anthropologist Simon Dein has noted: "Lubavitchers held that the Rebbe was more powerful in the spiritual realm without the hindrance of a physical body. However some have now claimed that he never died. Several even state that the Rebbe is God. This is a significant finding. It is unknown in the history of Judaism to hold that the religious leader is God and to this extent the group is unique. There are certain Christian elements which apparently inform the messianic ideas of this group."[62]

Some have gone so far as to describe Chabad messianism as halachic Christianity. Judaism scholar Jacob Neusner writes:

“ A substantial majority of a highly significant Orthodox movement called Lubavitch or Chabad Hasidism affirms that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who was laid to rest in 1994 without leaving a successor. . . will soon return to complete the redemption in his capacity as the Messiah. Hasidim who proclaim this belief hold significant religious positions sanctioned by major Orthodox authorities with no relationship to their movement."[98] ”

Support

There have been non-Chabad Jewish figures have expressed their concurrence with the belief that Schneerson is indeed the Messiah. Ya'akov Yosef, (son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef), Aaron Leifer, the late Rabbi of Nadvorna-Safed, Eliyahu Shmuel Schmerler, rosh yeshiva of Sanz and member of the Mif'al Hashas, Ahron Rosenfeld of the Pinsk-Karlin Hasidic dynasty and Yaakov Menachem Rabinowitz of the Biala Hasidic dynasty, all signed a 1998 halachic decree ruling that Schneerson is the Messiah.[99]

The "Yechi" statement

"Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu v'Rabbeinu Melech haMoshiach l'olam vo'ed!" (יחי אדוננו מורנו ורבינו מלך המשיח לעולם ועד) is a phrase used by messianist Chabad Hasidism to proclaim that Schneerson is the messiah. It translates as "Long Live our Master, our Teacher, and our Rabbi, King Messiah, for ever." The phrase can be seen printed in various settings, notably on pamphlets, posters and small cards and keyrings. It is chanted by messianists at the end of daily communal prayers in Lubavitch congregations, including the main Lubavitch synagogue in Crown Heights, "770".

Yechi has a complex and controversial history dating back to the early-1990s and can be used as a litmus test to differentiate the messianists from the anti-messianists or non-messianists.

Yechi began as the phrase "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu Verabbeinu," ("Long Live our master, teacher and Rebbe!") to which the response was a shout of "Yechi" ("May he live!"). It appears to be based on the statement made by Bathsheba, the wife of King David "Yehi adoni hamelech David le'olam," ("May my lord King David live forever!") (Kings I 1:31). When used by Lubavitcher Hassidim, it was originally recited in the presence of Schneerson after twelve special verses known as "the Twelve Pesukim" whose recitation the Rebbe encouraged in his teachings.

A child honored with reciting the last verse of the Twelve Pesukim would call out the phrase, to which everyone would respond. This was repeated three times. After three calls, everyone would chant the word Yechi together in a 2-3-2-3 pattern. This was followed by singing "We Want Moshiach Now".

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ also: Habad messianism, Lubavitcher messianism, mishichism, meshichism.
  2. ↑ Susan Handelman, The Lubavitcher Rebbe Died 20 Years Ago Today. Who Was He?, Tablet Magazine
  3. ↑ "Article « The Rebbe Twenty Years After « Commentary Magazine". Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Adin Steinsaltz, My Rebbe page 24
  5. ↑ Elliot R. Wolfson. Open Secret: Postmessianic Messianism and the Mystical Revision of Menahem Mendel Schneerson. Page 19.
  6. 1 2 http://www.chabad.org/library/moshiach/article_cdo/aid/101679/jewish/The-Personality-of-Mashiach.htm
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Rav Aharon Lichtenstein's Hesped for the Lubavitcher Rebbe - English". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  8. ↑ See section "Before Schneerson's Death"
  9. ↑ The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present, M. Avrum Ehrlich, ch.9 notes, KTAV Publishing, ISBN 0-88125-836-9
  10. ↑ Josepf Telushkin Rebbe; page 413.
  11. ↑ Bruni, Frank (February 25, 1996). "To Some, Messiah Is the Message;Media Campaign for Late Rabbi Divides Lubavitch Movement". New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  12. ↑ "What do the most important Rabbis think of Chabad-Lubavitch?". Chabad Mafia.
  13. ↑ http://moshiachtalk.tripod.com/kolkoreh.pdf
  14. ↑ See: "After Schneerson's Death".
  15. ↑ Josepf Telushkin "Rebbe"; page 420.
  16. ↑ Messianic Excess, David Berger, The Jewish Week, June 25, 2004
  17. 1 2 Peter Schäfer, Mark R. Cohen, Editors (1998) Toward the Millennium: Messianic Expectations from the Bible to Waco BRILL, ISBN 9789004110373, p. 399
  18. 1 2 Susan Handelman (1 July 2014). "Who Was the Lubavitcher Rebbe?". Tablet Magazine. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  19. 1 2 Sanhedrin 98b
  20. ↑ Rambam. Hilchot Melachim, Laws of Kings. 4.
  21. ↑ Responsa Chatam Sofer VI:98
  22. ↑ Peat Hasadeh section 1 rule 70
  23. ↑ Maimonides Laws of Kings 11:1
  24. ↑ Likutei Michtavim page 4
  25. ↑ Friedman, Tzvi. "What is Chassidut?". Chabad.org. Retrieved September 2015.
  26. ↑ Yitzchak keller, Moshiach Bedor, 1991.
  27. 1 2 Eisenstein, Yehuda (1907). Otzer Yisroel.
  28. ↑ Yosef Dov Soloveitchick. Oiystzug Fun Der Rede 1943
  29. ↑ "Who Was the Lubavitcher Rebbe?". Tablet Magazine. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  30. 1 2 Adin Steinsaltz My Rebbe page 173
  31. ↑ Adin Steinsaltz, My Rebbe, page 178
  32. 1 2 Telushkin, Rebbe: p. 431
  33. ↑ Likutei Sichot vol. 20 pp. 458-459
  34. ↑ Adin Steinsaltz My Rebbe page 174
  35. 1 2 3 4 Chabad's Messianism and Israeli Radicals. Azure no. 41.
  36. ↑ "The Lubavitch Messianic Resurgence: The Historical and Mystical Background 1939–1996", Rachel Elior in Toward the Millennium: Messianic Expectations from the Bible to Waco ed. Peter Schäfer and Mark Cohen, 383–408. (Leiden: Brill, 1998)
  37. ↑ The Revelation of Melech HaMashiach (King Messiah), "Yechi HaMelech", Sholom Ber Wolpo, "The Committee for Fulfilling the Rebbe's Directives"
  38. ↑ Telushkin, Rebbe: p. 429
  39. ↑ "Expecting the Messiah — An Ultra-Orthodox sect says the Redeemer is due to arrive any day now — and he might be an American" Time magazine, Lisa Beyer, March 23, 1992]
  40. ↑ "Hasidic Group Expands Amid Debate on Future". 5 September 1988. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  41. ↑ "Billboards hold a big message: the messiah is here", Michael Crook and David Hancock, Miami Herald, April 15, 1992
  42. ↑ Echad Hoyo Avrohom Page 160
  43. ↑ Sefer Hisva'aduyos 5745, Vol. 1, p. 465
  44. ↑ Cheshbono shel Olom page 56.
  45. ↑ Sichos Kodesh, Parshas Noach 5752
  46. ↑ "Chabad's Messianism and Israeli Radicals". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  47. ↑ "Letter from Crown Heights", Malcolm Gladwell February 2, 1993 The Washington Post
  48. ↑ Mashiach Madness reaches frenzy as Lubavitch 'anoint' the Rebbe, Debra Nussbaum Cohen, Jewish Telegraphic Agency January 28, 1993
  49. ↑ "Rabbi's appearance fails to reveal messiah", Deseret News, February 1, 1993
  50. ↑ Death of Lubavitcher Leader, Rabbi Schneerson, Stuns Followers , Laurie Goodstein, Washington Post, June 13, 1994
  51. ↑ "Rabbi Schneerson Led A Small Hasidic Sect To World Prominence". 13 June 1994. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  52. ↑ "What Really Happens When Prophecy Fails: The Case of Lubavitch." Dein, Simon. Sociology of Religion, 9/22/2001.
  53. ↑ Brachot 2:4
  54. 1 2 3 4 5 Berger, David (April 1, 2008). The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference. Littman Library of Jewish Civilization.
  55. ↑ Jaffe, Melech. "A Brief History of Lubavitch Messianism".
  56. ↑ Igeret Hakodesh #27b
  57. ↑ Dvar Malchut, Parashat Shoftim, 5751; Sefer Hisvaadiyus 1991 vol. 4 Page 204
  58. ↑ Example of Chabad exegesis on the death of a great man
  59. ↑ Telushkin, Rebbe: p. 429
  60. 1 2 "Halachic Ruling". Psak Din. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
  61. ↑ Telushkin, Rebbe: p. 431
  62. 1 2 "Mosiach is here now: just open your eyes and you can see him" Simon Dein, Anthropology & Medicine, Volume 9, Number 1/April 01, 2002
  63. ↑ Telushkin, Rebbe: p. 4233
  64. ↑ The Editors. "Rebbe To The City — And The World - New York Observer". New York Observer. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  65. ↑ Sarah Maslin Nir (13 September 2013). "Jews Make a Pilgrimage to a Grand Rebbe’s Grave". Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  66. 1 2 Adin Steinsaltz My Rebbe page 274
  67. ↑ "Who Was the Lubavitcher Rebbe?". Tablet Magazine. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  68. ↑ "Rabbi Telushkin's Newest Book on the Lubavitcher Rebbe: A Testament to Greatness". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  69. ↑ Jonathan Mark (November 14, 2007). "Chabad Gathering: No Jew Left Behind". The Jewish Week. Archived from the original on March 9, 2008.
  70. ↑ Mark, Jonathan. "Chabad's Global Warming". The Jewish Week (December 2005).. An online version of this article can be found at "Speeches said at and Articles about the International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Emissaries, Address by Professor Alan Dershowitz, Harvard University". Archived from the original on May 7, 2007.
  71. ↑ Jonathan Mark, Michael Kress, Editors. (June 18, 2004) "Against All Odds" The Jewish Week Retrieved 21 December 2014
  72. ↑ The Rebbe's Army: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch by Sue Fishkoff, p. 274.
  73. ↑ "Article « The Rebbe Twenty Years After «Commentary Magazine". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  74. ↑ The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference by David Berger, 2001, published by the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization of Portland. Page 22
  75. ↑ The Rebbe’s Army page 268
  76. ↑ Telushkin, Rebbe: p. 474
  77. ↑ "Lubavitcher Rebbe Meets The Academy" The Jewish Week, Debra Nussbaum Cohen
  78. ↑ Conference Weighs Rabbi's Legacy" The Forward, Steven I. Weiss, November 11, 2005
  79. ↑ Faith and Fate: The Story of the Jewish People in the 20th century, Berel Wein, 2001 by Shaar Press. pg. 340
  80. ↑ The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present, M. Avrum Ehrlich, Chapter 10, notes, KTAV Publishing, ISBN 0-88125-836-9
  81. ↑ The Rebbe, The Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference, David Berger, The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, 2001. pg 105.
  82. ↑ [Mishna Torah: Melachim chapter 11]
  83. ↑ Public Responsa from Rabbi Aharon Feldman on the matter of Chabad messianism (in Hebrew), 23 Sivan 5763 See also Rabbi Feldman's letter to David Berger: http://www.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/feldman_berger_sm_2.jpg
  84. ↑ Can the Rebbe Be Moshiach?: Proofs from Gemara, Midrash, and Rambam That the Rebbe Cannot Be Gil Student, Universal-Publishers, 2002
  85. ↑ The Professor, Messiah, & Scandal of Calumnies
  86. ↑ http://www.chabadtalk.com/forum/attachment.php3?s=2ebda757c70c43b0a446c55ac559fac5&attachmentid=2&d=1009095431
  87. 1 2 The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference by David Berger, 2001, published by the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization of Portland. Page 70.
  88. ↑ HaRebbi Melech HaMoshiach, David Berger, Urim Publications, 2005. p.75, note 7.
  89. ↑ Hatzofeh, 11 Shevat 5760 (18 Jan. 200), 5. The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference by David Berger, 2001, published by the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization of Portland. Page 128–129.
  90. ↑ Avishai ben Hayiim (December 26, 2007). "Rabbinical Conversion Court refuses to convert Chabad messianist". Maariv (in Hebrew). Retrieved December 21, 2014.
  91. ↑ The New York Times, Feb 9, 1996.
  92. ↑ Chabad kol koreh
  93. ↑ Expecting the messiah, Lisa Beyer, Time magazine, March 23, 1992
  94. ↑ Jewish Arguments and Counterarguments: Essays and Addresses, Steven Bayme, KTAV Publishing, 2002. p260
  95. ↑ Arnold Jacob Wolf "Habad’s dead Messiah: A review of The Rebbe, the Messiah and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference, by David Berger", Judaism magazine - Winter, 2002, Retrieved 24 December 2014
  96. ↑ Messianism and Christianity, Joel Marcus, Boston University School of Theology Studies, 2001 - Cambridge Univ. Press.
  97. ↑ "Be Ready When the Great Day Comes", Mark L. Winer; European Judaism, Vol. 37, 2004
  98. ↑ "A messianism that some call heresy" Jacob Neusner, October 19, 2001, Bard College
  99. ↑ http://www.ksol.org/image.asp?f=psak_large.pdf&d=11

References

Further reading

External links

Criticism

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