The Lubavitcher Rebbe (1902 - 1994)

Today is 3 Tammuz, the yahrtzeit (anniversary; usually used in reference to the day of someone's death) of the last Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

A brilliant man, Rabbi Schneerson (known as 'the Rebbe' by most people) assumed leadership of the ChaBaD-Lubavitch Chassidus in 1951, following the death of his illustrious father-in-law Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, the previous Rebbe (the 'Rebbe RaYaTz'). It was under his tutelage that the Chassidus become a global movement, with the Rebbe mobilizing his followers to spread out all over the word and disseminate the message of Chassidus.


His writings and discourses displayed an erudition that was nearly unrivaled; a groundbreaking discourse about the essential nature of Chassidus entitled On The Essence Of Chassidus captures the Rebbe's genius as he deftly shows how Chassidus is not only congruent with Torah values, but is a natural extension of the other innovations in Judaism throughout history. The discourse also illustrates how Chassidus seeks to synthesize all the different aspects of Judaism and the exegetical system (Pshat, Remez, Drush and Sod - PaRDeS), and the book is a must read for anyone who would like to gain an understanding into the nature of Chassidus through the scope of ChaBaD philosophy.


A handsome, charismatic individual, there are numerous accounts where foreign dignitaries, politicians, Torah luminaries, and simple folk alike were made to feel as if the Rebbe was paying attention to him, and him alone. The Rebbe exemplified true leadership, always aware that his every move was under scrutiny.


The Rebbe passed away in 1994; I never had the z'chus (merit) to meet him, but I wish I had.