The Rebbe - Наш Ребе
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, this century's most dominant Jewish figure, is clearly the one individual singular responsible for stirring and awakening the conscience and spirit of post - holocaust world Jewry.
Often described as the most phenomenal Jewish personality of our time, "The Rebbe" as he is referred to by millions of followers around the world, gives direction, and radiates hope, motivation and encouragement in an era often rent with confusion and despair.
After the passing of his father-in-law the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson on the 10th of Shevat 1950, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson ascended to leadership of the Lubavitch movement.
Motivated by a profound love for the Jewish people, The Rebbe launched an unprecedented campaign to bring Judaism to every individual Jew, wherever he or she may be.
The Rebbe established a corps of Shluchim - Lubavitch emissaries - and charged them with establishing Chabad - Lubavitch centers in every corner of the world. These dedicated men and women reflect the commitment of Lubavitch to the entire Jewish people.
It is no wonder that, for many communities, Chabad - Lubavitch with its vast array of educational and social services, has become the central address for all matters Jewish. Indeed, many of the Rebbe's innovations are so deeply ingrained in Jewish life today that they often are no longer identified as Lubavitch in origin. Since assuming the mantle leadership, the Rebbe made Lubavitch the world’s largest Jewish outreach organization.
Today some 3000 Chabad - Lubavitch institutions span more than forty eight countries on six continents. These educational and social service institutions serve a variety of functions for the entire spectrum of Jews, regardless of affiliation or background.
It was in Russia that Chabad - Lubavitch was born more than 250 years ago, and since nurtured there by its Rebbes in each generation. A history of heroic efforts by Lubavitch kept Judaism alive under the Communist Regime. When the Soviet Union crumbled Lubavitch emerged from the underground, the work most oppressive and excruciating circumstances conceivable, before and especially after the Bolshevik revolution and during the Communist regime, continues now publicly unabated. The Rebbe's emissaries have established some 200 institutions for Jewish learning and humanitarian aid throughout the FSU. Once Rabbi Avrohom Shayevitz, Chief Rabbi of Moscow, thanked the Rebbe for all the emissaries that he had sent to the former Soviet Union, the Rebbe replied "We did very little for the Soviet Jews… we owe them much much more".
The small seedlings planted by the Rebbe's emissaries began to grow and take hold and the ripple effects were clearly being felt throughout the world. As Rabbi Schneerson's reputation grew many leaders and entrepreneurs of international stature and influence began to confide, consult and even visit with the Rebbe on a regular basis.
"It is due to his influence that Jewish awareness has reached unprecedented heights on almost every continent…",(Eli Weisel, Nobel Prize Winner)
"The Rebbe stood for a set of ideals that brought people together. He did not just stand for these ideals he lived them…", (Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.)
"I still remember the Rebbe's blue penetrating eyes that expressed wisdom and awareness…", (Yitzchak Rabin, Prime Minister of the State of Israel.)
In Israel, the "Chabadniks" are particularly endeared to all. Their programs reach all segments of the community, and they enjoy the respect of the population, regardless of affiliation. Kfar Chabad, the Lubavitch village near Tel Aviv, is headquarters for Lubavitch there. Kfar Chabad's unique educational institutions and outreach facilities have become a lifeline for thousands upon thousands of Israeli citizens. From the soldier stationed on the front to the farmer on the kibbutz, feelings of veneration and respect for the Rebbe run deep, as all benefit in some way from his concern.
Many prime ministers, politicians and policymakers from the state of Israel routinely deliberated with the Rebbe concerning the forming of political, economic and military policies. General Ariel Sharon once proclaimed following an audience with the Rebbe that "this man sitting in Brooklyn, New York, is intimately familiar with the geographic, demographic and political forces that shape the character of the State of Israel".
Amongst the famous personalities who visited with the Rebbe to receive his blessings and advice were Prime Ministers Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, Yitzchak Shamir, Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netenyahu. Members of the Knesset, ministers and army generals including General Ariel Sharon, President Zalman Shazar and Foreign Minister Abba Eban, also came to visit with the Rebbe. Although they did not always agree with his outlook, they always respected his ideas and invariably came back for more. They knew that the Rebbe's opinion was motivated by his desire to assure the safety and well being of all mankind. They knew that the Rebbe's convictions were based upon the values enunciated in the Torah. They knew that the Rebbe's beliefs were driven by his love of Jews worldwide.
In the course of his efforts to revitalize extensive focus on education, the Rebbe declared the year 5738 (1977 - 1978) to be a year of education. He called upon Congress to establish an "Education Day" on the American calendar. The Rebbe felt that this would lend new meaning to long honored American traditions such as "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day". The United States House of Representatives responded to the Rebbe's call and declared the year 1977 as a National Year of Education. In April of the following year, Congress recognized the Rebbe's efforts and passed a joint resolution to proclaim the Rebbe's seventy-sixth birthday as "Education Day, U.S.A.". President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation into law and Education Day U.S.A. has since become an annual tradition.
The Rebbe often said that "we dare not rest until every Jewish child receives a Jewish education.'' From full-time yeshivas for Jewish men and women with little or no background in Torah study to literally tens of thousands of classes at Chabad-Lubavitch centers and synagogues around the world - the Rebbe is the vital life-force behind an outreach process that has affected the entire spectrum of Jewish life.
His widespread Mitzvah and holiday campaigns and the innovative Mitzvah mobiles have raised the awareness of Jewish life and Jewish practice among millions of Jews, motivating them to explore and to examine their identity. From Hong Kong to Tel Aviv, Odessa to Brighton Beach, through the many Lubavitch schools, youth centers, institutions, agencies and activities established and maintained through the Rebbe's efforts, millions of Jews (in some way or another) have found their way home.
Indeed, it was the Rebbe's vision, leadership and life's work that has been the driving force behind the work of Chabad world wide. His teachings, his legacy and his memory have been the source of success that Chabad has experienced over the years.
