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The Rebbe — Seventh Chabad Rebbe

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The Rebbe — Seventh Chabad Rebbe

הרבי | 1902–1994

Teacher: Rayatz

Biography

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), universally known simply as “The Rebbe,” was the seventh and most recent Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch. He was the son-in-law of the sixth Rebbe, the Rayatz.

Born in Nikolaev, Ukraine, he studied engineering and physics in Berlin and Paris before assuming leadership of Chabad after his father-in-law’s passing in 1950. Under his leadership, Chabad transformed from a movement numbering in the thousands to a global organization with thousands of emissary families in over 100 countries.

He is widely regarded as one of the most influential Jewish figures of the 20th century. He met with heads of state, corresponded with scientists and philosophers, and spoke to individuals from every walk of life.

Major Works (an enormous corpus):

  • Likkutei Sichos — 39 volumes of edited talks on the weekly Torah portion and Jewish holidays; the primary Torah study text of Chabad
  • Torat Menachem — Over 90 volumes of transcribed talks (sichos) and discourses
  • Igros Kodesh (Rebbe) — 32 volumes of correspondence
  • Maamarim Meluktim — Selected formal Chassidic discourses
  • Reshimos — Personal notebooks from his early years
  • Hayom Yom — A calendar with daily Chassidic aphorisms (compiled from his father-in-law’s teachings)
  • Biurei Tanya — Explanations of the Tanya
  • Likkutei Taamim UMinhagim Haggadah — Haggadah with commentary

He launched major campaigns (mivtzaim) to encourage Jewish observance: tefillin, Shabbat candles, Torah study, mezuzah, and more. He emphasized that every Jew is a link in an unbroken chain and that every positive action matters infinitely.

He passed away on 3 Tammuz 5754 (June 12, 1994) without appointing a successor.

Works in This Library

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