A Portrait of Jewish Leadership: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn

by Miriam Metzinger | More from this Blogger

29 Jun 2006 10:43 PM

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, more commonly known as "The Rebbe", the leader of the Lubavitch movement, is remembered as one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the 20th century. The Rebbe was a great force in revitalizing a Jewish world which was devastated by the Holocaust. He emphasized strengthening Torah observance through intensive outreach efforts. This took the form of many "mitzvah campaigns" which sent Lubavitcher Chassidim into the streets with the familiar question "Are you Jewish?" which was followed by encouragement to put on tefillin or to light Shabbos candles. The Rebbe's belief, derived from the Rambam, is that the entire world hangs in the balance, and one good deed could tip the scales toward salvation. He sent emissaries, or shluchim, to every corner of the world to set up "Chabad Houses" where Jews could study, have a kosher meal and spend Shabbos with a family. Today, there are over 3,000 Chabad Houses around the world, and the number continues to grow. These centers are so widespread that many say, "Wherever you see Coca-Cola, you'll see Chabad."

Among the Rebbe's many mitzvah campaigns was the request that Jews should teach the world about the "Sheva mitzvahs Bnei Noach" or the seven mitzvos of the children of Noah. This involves letting non-Jews know that about their special mission in the world, and the fact that that there are seven guidelines that all of humanity should follow. Today, there is a growing movement of non-Jews who consider themselves "bnei Noach" and follow these laws.

In later years, the Rebbe stressed the importance of bringing the long-awaited Messiah. He was interviewed on CNN about his belief that the coming of the Messiah was imminent, and said that the world would see the Messiah if all human beings increased actions of "goodness and kindness." There are some Lubavitchers who believe that the Rebbe himself is the Messiah, and the controversy over this persists within the community, although, contrary to the media's predictions, the issue has yet to create a permanent division in Chabad. What unifies the Lubavitch movement is the dedication to the Rebbe's teachings and the commitment to bringing the light of the Redemption to the world.

Learn more about Miriam Metzinger

Miriam is a freelance writer, a work-at-home mom and lives in Jerusalem with her two sons, Schneur Zalman (3), Yosef Yitzchak (6 months and counting) and her husband, Yehoshua, who is a rabbi and i...

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