Menachem Mendel Schneerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Menachem M. Schneerson |
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Menachem Mendel Schneerson in 1989
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| Religion | Judaism |
| Personal | |
| Nationality |
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| Born | Menachem Mendel Schneerson April 5, 1902 OS (11 Nisan 5662) Nikolaev, Kherson Governorate, Russian Empire (present-day Mykolaiv, Ukraine) |
| Died | June 12, 1994 (3 Tammuz 5754) (aged 92) Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Spouse | Chaya Mushka Schneerson |
| Parents |
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| Senior posting | |
| Title | Lubavitcher Rebbe |
| Predecessor | Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn |
| Signature |  |
| Synagogue | 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Began | 10 Shevat 5711 / January 17, 1951 |
| Buried | Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Residence | Brooklyn, New York City |
| Dynasty | Chabad Lubavitch |
| Semicha | Rogatchover Gaon; Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg; Shmuel Schneerson |
Menachem Mendel Schneerson (born April 5, 1902 – died June 12, 1994) was an important Orthodox rabbi. He was the leader, or Rebbe, of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic group. Many people see him as one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.
Under his leadership, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement grew a lot. It went from a small group, almost destroyed by the Holocaust, to a worldwide movement. Today, it has over 5,000 centers for education and community work. These centers include schools, care homes for people with disabilities, and synagogues.
Schneerson's teachings fill more than 400 books. He is known for helping Jewish people stay connected to their faith. He also made big contributions to traditional Torah studies. He is seen as a pioneer in reaching out to Jewish people everywhere. Some of his followers believed he was the Messiah, which caused some debate.
In 1978, the U.S. Congress asked President Jimmy Carter to name Schneerson's birthday as a national "Education Day." This day is now celebrated as Education and Sharing Day. In 1994, he received the Congressional Gold Medal after his death. This award was for his "outstanding contributions to world education, morality, and charity." His resting place, called the Ohel, is visited by many Jews and non-Jews for prayer.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Menachem Mendel Schneerson was born on April 5, 1902, in Mykolaiv, which was then part of the Russian Empire. His father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, was a famous scholar of the Talmud and Kabbalah. His mother was Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson. He was named after an earlier Chabad Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneersohn.
In 1907, when he was five, his family moved to Dnipro, where his father became the Chief Rabbi. His father was later exiled by the Soviets in 1939. Menachem Mendel had two younger brothers. One was killed in 1944, and the other died in 1952.
Schneerson was educated at home by tutors. By age 11, his tutor said he had nothing more to teach him. His father then took over his education, teaching him the Talmud and Kabbalah. Schneerson was very smart. By 17, he had mastered the entire Talmud, which is a huge collection of Jewish law and tradition.
He often helped his father with community matters. He even acted as an interpreter between the Jewish community and Russian officials. His father's bravery deeply influenced him. Schneerson once said, "When it comes to saving lives, I speak up whatever others may say." He later received rabbinical ordinations from important rabbis.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1923, Schneerson met Chaya Mushka Schneerson, the middle daughter of the sixth Chabad Rebbe, Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. They were distant cousins. They got engaged and married in 1928 in Warsaw, Poland. His father-in-law was very proud of his learning. He asked him to discuss Torah with other great scholars at the wedding. Menachem Mendel and Chaya Mushka were married for 60 years. They did not have children.
Both Menachem Mendel Schneerson and Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn were descendants of the third Chabad Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek. Schneerson later said that his wedding day connected him deeply to the community.
In 1947, Schneerson traveled to Paris to bring his mother, Chana Schneerson, back to New York City. He visited her every day and prepared tea for her. His mother passed away in 1964.
On February 10, 1988, his wife, Chaya Mushka Schneerson, died. A year later, after the traditional Jewish mourning period, Schneerson moved into his study. This study was above the main Lubavitch synagogue in Brooklyn.
Life in Berlin and Paris
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After his wedding in 1928, Schneerson and his wife moved to Berlin. His father-in-law gave him community tasks. He also asked him to write notes on the teachings of earlier Chabad Rebbes. Schneerson studied math, physics, and philosophy at the University of Berlin. He enjoyed lectures by famous scientists. His father-in-law paid for his studies.
While in Berlin, Schneerson met Joseph B. Soloveitchik, and they became friends. He wrote many of his own Torah teachings. He also exchanged letters about Jewish law with leading rabbis. In 1933, he met other important Jewish scholars. During this time, he kept a diary. In it, he wrote about his talks with his father-in-law and his father.
In 1933, when the Nazis came to power in Germany, the Schneersons moved to Paris. There, Menachem Mendel continued his religious and community work for his father-in-law.
In Paris, he took a two-year engineering course. This was his only formal secular education. On June 11, 1940, just before Paris was taken by the Nazis, the Schneersons fled. They went to Vichy, then Nice, and finally escaped Europe in 1941.
Starting a New Life in New York
In 1941, Schneerson and his wife arrived in New York City. Soon after, his father-in-law appointed him director of three main Chabad organizations. These were Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch (education), Machneh Israel (social services), and Kehot Publication Society (publishing). This put him in charge of the movement's main activities.
During the 1940s, Schneerson became a U.S. citizen. To help with the war effort, he volunteered at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He used his engineering skills to draw wiring diagrams for the battleship USS Missouri.
In 1942, Schneerson started the Merkos Shlichus program. He sent pairs of young students to remote places during their summer breaks. Their goal was to teach Jews in isolated communities about their heritage.
As head of Kehot, Schneerson published works by earlier Chabad Rebbes. He also published his own books, like the Hayom Yom in 1943.
In 1947, he visited Paris and helped establish a school for girls. He also worked with groups to help refugees. Schneerson often said his goal was to "make the world a better place." He wanted to do what he could to end suffering.
In 1991, a car in Schneerson's motorcade accidentally hit two children. One child died. This sad event led to the Crown Heights riot.
Becoming the Seventh Chabad Rebbe
After his father-in-law, Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, died in 1950, Chabad followers wanted Schneerson to become the next Rebbe. They saw his great knowledge and devotion. At first, Schneerson did not want to take on the leadership role. He continued his community work but refused the title. It took a full year for the movement's elders to convince him.
On January 17, 1951, a year after his father-in-law's passing, Schneerson formally became the Rebbe. He gave a special Hasidic talk, like a president taking an oath. Many rabbis and Jewish leaders attended. Israeli leaders sent him congratulatory messages.
In his first talk, he stressed that each person must work on their own spiritual growth. He said people should not just rely on the Rebbe. He also said, "one must go to a place where nothing is known of Godliness... and ensure that the other calls out to God." He wanted Jews to be proactive, not just defensive.
As Rebbe, Schneerson held private meetings called yechidus. These meetings were open to everyone and often lasted for hours. He spoke many languages, including English, Yiddish, and Hebrew. He would talk to people about all kinds of issues and offer advice. Even politicians came to see him, but he treated everyone equally. These meetings stopped in 1982 because too many people wanted to attend. After that, meetings were only for special occasions, like weddings or bar mitzvahs.
For 40 years, Schneerson gave regular talks. These talks were about the weekly Torah portion and other Jewish texts. He spoke for several hours, sometimes up to nine hours, without notes. He showed a unique way of explaining complex ideas. He connected different concepts by finding their main principle. He also quoted many sources from memory.
Outreach and Campaigns
Supporting Women and Girls
In 1951, Schneerson started Chabad organizations for women and girls in Israel. Their goal was to reach out to women and teens. In 1953, he opened branches in New York, London, and Toronto. He made a big change by teaching high-level Torah to both men and women equally. He spoke at meetings for these organizations and led gatherings just for women. Schneerson saw the increase in Torah study by women as a positive change.
Global Outreach Efforts
That same year, Schneerson sent his first representative to Morocco. He set up schools and a synagogue for the Jewish community there. By 1958, he had established schools and synagogues in Detroit, Milan, and London.
In the 1960s, Schneerson started "mitzvah campaigns." These campaigns encouraged Jews to observe ten basic Jewish practices. Examples include wearing tefillin for men and lighting Shabbat candles for women. His campaign made wearing tefillin popular among Jewish men everywhere.
After his mother, Chana Schneerson, died in 1964, Schneerson began giving an extra weekly sermon in her memory. These sermons offered new insights into Rashi's Torah commentary. He gave these sermons every week until 1992.
Chanukah and Lag BaOmer
In 1973, Schneerson started a Chanukah campaign. He wanted all Jews worldwide to light their own menorah. When they ran out of menorahs, a military company made tens of thousands more. In 1974, a public menorah lighting was held by the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Since then, public menorah lightings happen in thousands of cities. Courts have ruled that these public lightings are allowed.
Chabad also started an annual Lag BaOmer parade at '770', their main center. It is one of the largest celebrations of its kind, with thousands of Jews celebrating the holiday.
Helping Iranian Youth
In 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, Schneerson helped rescue Jewish youth from Iran. He arranged for them to come to safety in the United States. He believed the Iranian government's actions could threaten Israel's safety. Thanks to his efforts, thousands of Iranian children were brought to New York.
Noahide Laws and Charity
In 1983, Schneerson started a global campaign to promote the Noahide Laws among all people. He believed these laws were the basis for human rights and a good society. His talks were often broadcast on national television. He spoke about community issues and world peace, like a moment of silence in U.S. schools and nuclear disarmament.
In 1984, Schneerson started a campaign for the daily study of Maimonides's Mishneh Torah. Each year, there is a celebration when the study cycle finishes. Many Jewish leaders attend these events.
In 1986, Schneerson started a custom called "Sunday Dollars." Each Sunday, he would stand outside his office. He would greet people, give them a dollar bill, and ask them to donate it to charity. He said that "when two people meet, it should bring benefit to a third." Thousands of people came each week to receive a dollar and ask for advice or a blessing.
Schneerson's wife died in 1988. During the week of mourning, Schneerson wrote a will. He gave all his possessions to Agudas Chasidei Chabad, the main Chabad organization.
In 1991, Schneerson spoke about the Messiah. He told his followers he had done all he could to bring world peace. He said it was now up to them to continue this work. He told a reporter, "Moshiach is ready to come now, it is only on our part to do something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness."
His Message: Become Righteous
On March 1, 1992, Schneerson was asked about his message to the world for his 90th birthday. He replied that "Ninety" in Hebrew means "tzaddik" or "righteous." He said this means everyone should become a truly righteous person. He added that this message applies to both Jews and non-Jews.
Work Habits and Illness
For decades, Schneerson worked over 18 hours a day. He never took a vacation. He rarely left Brooklyn, except to visit his father-in-law's grave in Queens. Schneerson did not believe in retirement. In 1972, on his 70th birthday, he suggested starting 71 new institutions instead of retiring.
In 1977, Schneerson had a heart attack. He asked to be treated in his office instead of a hospital. He recovered fully and continued his work habits. Fifteen years later, in 1992, he had a serious stroke while praying at his father-in-law's grave. The stroke left him unable to speak and paralyzed on his right side. During this time, the hope that Schneerson would be revealed as the Messiah became more common.
On June 12, 1994, Schneerson passed away at age 92. He was buried at the Ohel next to his father-in-law. After his death, his personal journals were found. They contained his thoughts and writings from 1928 to 1950.
Many people see Schneerson's gravesite as a holy place. Thousands of people, both Jews and non-Jews, visit it each week to pray. Many also send faxes and emails with prayer requests to be read there.
Wills and Succession
Schneerson did not name a successor as leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch group. This caused some discussion within Chabad. However, he did write a legal will. In it, he gave control of all major Chabad institutions and his possessions to Agudas Chassidei Chabad.
Beliefs About the Messiah
Schneerson wanted to raise awareness about the coming of the Messiah. During his life, many of his admirers hoped he would be the Messiah. Jewish tradition teaches that in every generation, there is someone worthy of being the Messiah. Some of Schneerson's followers felt he was that person. While Schneerson often said he was not the Messiah, this idea caused debate. After his death, the belief that he is the Messiah has become less common. The main Chabad organization, Agudas Chasidei Chabad, has said that such behavior goes against Schneerson's wishes.
Global Influence
United States
Schneerson spoke about the United States as a world superpower. He praised its founding values, like "E pluribus unum" (from many, one) and "In God We Trust". He urged the government to develop its own energy sources. He also called for the U.S. to use its influence to help other countries improve education.
Schneerson strongly believed in the importance of education. He often spoke about the need for a moral education system for everyone. He wanted a separate government department for education. In 1977, he called for a "Year of Education." He said education should focus on building character and promoting moral values.
The U.S. Congress declared 1978 a "Year of Education." They named April 18, 1978, as "Education Day, U.S.A." Since then, every year, the President has proclaimed Schneerson's birthday as "Education Day, U.S.A." in his honor.
During his life, Schneerson influenced many political leaders. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other officials visited him for advice. These included John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter. According to a book, Schneerson was the rabbi most mentioned in Congress.
Israel
Schneerson cared deeply about the state of Israel. He supported its economy, agriculture, and industry. He also wanted to promote its scientific achievements. Schneerson always recognized the importance of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He said that soldiers in the IDF perform a great mitzvah (good deed).
In 1950, Schneerson encouraged the creation of Israel's first car company. He also set up trade schools in Israel. These schools trained young Israelis, new immigrants, and Holocaust survivors. He established schools for carpentry, agriculture, printing, and textiles.
Even though he never visited Israel, many of its top leaders visited him. Israeli President Zalman Shazar and Prime Minister Menachem Begin often met with him. Ariel Sharon had a close relationship with Schneerson. He often quoted Schneerson's views on military matters. Schneerson advised him to stay in the military when he thought about retiring. Other leaders like Yitzhak Rabin and Benjamin Netanyahu also sought his advice. Schneerson knew many details about Israel's situation, which surprised these leaders. Despite his meetings, Schneerson always said he was not involved in politics.
Schneerson believed that Israel's safety was good for the United States. He called Israel the front line against anti-Western nations. He was against giving up land for peace. He called it an "illusion of peace" and said it would harm lives. He stated this view was for human safety, not just religious reasons. Benjamin Netanyahu once said that 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."
Before the Six-Day War, Schneerson called for a global Tefillin campaign. He wanted Jews to wear Tefillin to gain divine protection. He assured everyone that Israel would win the war. He said Israel had no need to fear because God was with them.
After the Operation Entebbe rescue, Schneerson praised the bravery of the IDF. He said they risked their lives to save Jews. He strongly spoke against those who criticized the soldiers.
Soviet Jewry
Schneerson greatly supported Jews living in Communist countries. He sent many secret messengers to help Jews keep their faith. Many Jews from behind the Iron Curtain wrote to Schneerson. They used code names like 'Grandfather' for him.
Schneerson knew a lot about the Soviet government. He was against public demonstrations for Soviet Jews. He believed they harmed Jews in Russia. Instead, he favored quiet talks, which he thought would be more effective. He worked hard to help Jews leave the Soviet Union. He also set up schools and communities to help them settle in Israel.
After the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, Schneerson called for efforts to rescue Ukrainian Jewish children. He founded an organization for this purpose. The first rescue flight brought 196 Jewish children to Israel in 1990. Since then, thousands of children have been rescued and brought to Israel.
Natan Sharansky, a famous human rights activist, said that Chabad Lubavitch was vital for connecting with Soviet Jews during the Cold War. Shimon Peres stated that Judaism in the Soviet Union was preserved thanks to Schneerson.
Legacy and Recognition
Impact on Jewish Life
Schneerson started the idea of Jewish outreach after the Holocaust. He believed that Jewish people wanted to learn about their heritage. He aimed to bring Judaism to Jews wherever they were. British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said Schneerson wanted to "search out every Jew in love." He helped build schools, community centers, and youth camps. He also created a global network of representatives called shluchim.
Today, there are shluchim in all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. There are more than 3,600 Chabad centers worldwide. Often, Chabad is the only Jewish presence in a town or city. It has become the public face of Orthodox Judaism.
Schneerson's way of reaching out to Jews has been copied by all Jewish movements. His published works fill over 200 books. They are often used by rabbis for their sermons. Beyond the Jewish world, some have called him "the Rebbe for all people."
Awards and Honors
Schneerson's work was recognized by every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Joe Biden. In 1978, he became the first rabbi to have a U.S. national day named in his honor. The U.S. Congress and President Jimmy Carter named his birthday "Education Day USA". Every year since, the President has asked Americans to focus on education in his honor. In 1982, Ronald Reagan called Schneerson's birthday a "National Day of Reflection." He also gave him a "National Scroll of Honor."
Many important officials attended Schneerson's funeral. These included New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Benjamin Netanyahu.
President Bill Clinton sent a letter of condolence. He called Schneerson "a monumental man." He said Schneerson was responsible for teaching ethics and morality to young people. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin said Schneerson's death was "a loss for all the Jewish people."
Soon after his death, Schneerson received the Congressional Gold Medal. This award honored his "outstanding contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity." President Bill Clinton said at the ceremony that Schneerson's movement had grown to 2,000 institutions worldwide.
In 2009, the National Museum of American Jewish History chose Schneerson. He was one of 18 American Jews included in their "Only in America" Hall of Fame.
Many believe Schneerson had a unique understanding of human emotions. Elie Wiesel said Schneerson "opened doors for his visitor... secret doors that we all have." Schneerson is often seen as one of the most influential rabbis of the 20th century.
Scholarship and Writings
Schneerson is known for his deep knowledge and contributions to Jewish law and mystical teachings. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, another great rabbi, said Schneerson had an "awesome comprehension of the Torah." He called him a "great one" and a "leader of Israel."
According to Mordechai Eliyahu, a former Chief Rabbi of Israel, his meeting with Schneerson covered "all sections of the Torah." Eliyahu said Schneerson moved easily from one complex topic to another. "The whole Torah was an open book in front of him," he said.
Schneerson's teachings are published in over 200 books. He also wrote tens of thousands of letters. These letters answered requests for blessings and advice. They offered detailed advice on many topics, both spiritual and everyday.
Selected Works in Hebrew and Yiddish
- 1943: Hayom Yom – A collection of Chabad sayings and customs for each day.
- 1946: Haggadah Im Likkutei Ta'amim U'minhagim – The Haggadah (for Passover) with Schneerson's commentary.
- 1962–1992: Likkutei Sichot – Schneerson's talks on the weekly Torah portions and Jewish Holidays (40 volumes).
- 1985–2010: Igrot Kodesh – Schneerson's Hebrew and Yiddish letters (33 volumes).
- 1991: Biurim LePeirush Rashi – Talks on Rashi's commentary to the Torah (5 volumes).
- 1994–2001: Reshimot – Schneerson's personal journal, found after his death. It includes notes for his talks and letters to scholars.
Selected Works in English
- The Teachings of The Rebbe - Chassidic talks in English.
- Letters from the Rebbe – An eight-volume set of Schneerson's English letters.
- Sichos in English – Fifty-one volumes of the Rebbe's talks translated into English.
