Menachem Mendel Schneerson
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Biography
Menachem Mendel Schneerson was a prominent Jewish Hasidic rabbi who was the seventh and last Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. He was fifth in a direct paternal line to the third Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn.
In 1950, upon the passing of his predecessor, his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, he assumed the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch. He led the movement until his passing in 1994, greatly expanding its worldwide activities and founding a network of institutions, as of 2006 in 70 countries, to spread Orthodox Judaism.
Schneerson rarely left Crown Heights in Brooklyn, except for frequent lengthy visits to his father-in-law's grave-site in Queens, New York. A year after the passing of his wife in 1988, when the traditional year of Jewish mourning had passed, he moved into his study above the central Lubavitch synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway.
It was from this synagogue that Schneerson directed his emissaries' work and involved himself in details of his movement's developments. His public roles included celebrations called farbrengens ("gatherings") on Sabbaths, Jewish holy days, and special days on the Chabad calendar, when he would give lengthy sermons to crowds. In later years, these would often be broadcast via satellite and cable television to Lubavitch branches around the world.
Teachings
In biblical scholarship he was known mainly for his hasidic thoughts on Rashi Torah commentary, which were annotated by his aides. In halachic matters he normally defered to members of the Crown Heights Beit Din headed by Rabbi Zalman Shimon Dvorkin, and advised the movement to do likewise in the event of his death.
Schneerson was known for delivering regular lengthy addresses to his followers at public gatherings, without using any notes. These talks usually centered around the weekly Torah portion, and were then transcribed by followers known as choizerim, and distributed widely. Many of them were later edited by him and distributed worldwide in small booklets later to be compiled in the Likkutei Sichot set. He also penned thousands of replies to requests and questions. The majority of his correspondence is printed in Igrot Kodesh partly translated as "Letters from the Rebbe". His correspondence fills more than two hundred published volumes.
Towards the end of his life, particularly after his stroke in 1977 his scholarship began to fade. According to Erlich, one of Schneerson's editors, David Olidort, told how "most of Schneerson’s aides and editors adored him and saw him as virtually infallible, despite their numerous corrections of his failing scholarship."
Locations
"The Ohel" is where the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, was laid to rest on the 3rd of Tammuz 5754 (June 12, 1994).
The term Ohel (lit. "tent") refers to the structure built over the resting place of a Tzaddik, a righteous person.
The Ohel has become a center, the place where thousands come and continue to receive inspiration and blessing from the late Rebbe.
226-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard ,
Cambria Heights, Queens, NYC, NY 11411, USA
(The most convenient way to access the Ohel is through the Visitor Center)
For input in GPS Navigation: 226-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Queens NY.
From Midtown Manhattan:
Take the Queens Midtown Tunnel, onto the Long Island Expressway East, continue (12.8 miles) to the Cross Island Parkway South (Exit 31S), continue (4.9 miles) to Linden Boulevard (Exit 25B), turn right onto Linden Boulevard, continue 7 blocks to 227th Street, turn left and continue 4 blocks to Francis Lewis Boulevard. Ohel Chabad Lubavitch is the house on the opposite side of the street. Note: The Queens Midtown Tunnel has a toll.
From Uptown Manhattan:
Take the Triborough Bridge, onto the Grand Central Parkway East, continue (12 miles) to the Cross Island Parkway (South Shore) (Exit 23), continue (3.8 miles) to Linden Boulevard (Exit 25B), turn right onto Linden Boulevard, continue 7 blocks to 227th Street, turn left and continue 4 blocks to Francis Lewis Boulevard. Ohel Chabad Lubavitch is the house on the opposite side of the street.
If traffic on Grand Central Parkway: Exit after 10.4 miles at Francis Lewis Boulevard South (Exit 20B) Turn left onto McLaughlin Avenue and right onto Francis Lewis Boulevard and continue (3.1 miles). Ohel Chabad Lubavitch is the last house on the right before the cemetery (0.6 miles after Springfield Blvd). Note: The Triborough Bridge has a toll.
Public Transportation:
Take the E, J or Z train to Jamaica Center - Parsons/Archer (last stop), then take the Q84 bus, to 120th Avenue until 226th Street (20 minute ride), get off the bus and walk east on 120th Avenue to 227th Street, turn right and continue one block to Francis Lewis Boulevard. Ohel Chabad Lubavitch is the house on the opposite side of the street.
The ohel and visitor center are open 24 hours-a-day, six days a week.
Before entering the Ohel, it is customary to write a letter to the Rebbe. When referring to one's own self or mentioning someone else's name in the letter, one should use the name and mother's name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah). It is preferable to use one's Hebrew name. It is customary that Gentiles use their father's name.
Candles may be lit on the designated shelves in the Ohel's ante-chamber. (Candles are available at the Visitor Center).
Some have the custom to knock on the door before entering, as a sign of respect.
It is customary to verbally read one's letter (albeit quietly), then tear it up and place it in the enclosed area.
Customary prayers include the Ma'aneh Lashon and Psalms. Suggested chapters of Psalms include the Rebbe's chapter, Psalm 107, and the chapter corresponding to one's age (e.g. Chapter 31, for someone aged 30). There are Ma'aneh Lashons and books of Psalms in the Ohel's ante-chamber.
NYC offers plenty of accommodation options of all levels and types.
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Books & Media
(Paperback)
Rebbe means teacher. Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson is seventh in a prestigious line of chassidic rebbes. Even after his passing, he is known worldwide as simply \"The Rebbe\" - a Rebbe for any person in the world.
This book offers every person a taste of the Rebbe\'s wisdom, condensed from over 50 years of letters, public talks, private conversations, and written works. Presented in an accessible format.
(Hardcover)
Between 1941 and 1945, the years of cataclysm for European Jewry, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe published a remarkable monthly journal entitled Hakeriah Vehakedusha \"Reading and Holiness.\" A collection of discourses from this journal is published here for the first time in English translation.
Many of the discourses have as their central theme the concepts of self-sacrifice for G-d and the Jewish people, repentance and strengthening the observance of Torah and Mitzvot. The Rebbe often speaks of the lessons to be learned from the earth-shattering events of that time and their connection to the coming of Mashiach. They were written for a broad audience and are accessible even to those who have never studied Chasidic philosophy.
The two volumes include explanatory footnotes, a glossary of Hebrew terms, a general index and, in the second volume, an index of quotations and references for Volumes 1 and 2.
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