Thursday 14 July 2011

The Lubavitcher Rebbe Arrives in America...

The Seventh and last Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) has had a profound impact on Jews, both religious and secular, as well as on the non-Jewish world. 

Who has not heard of Chabad? Are there any Jews who have not heard of Chabad? As the son-in-law of the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe, he was tasked with creating social and educational outreach programs. What he started has reached round the world and continues to grow. At his death he was not replaced, yet, the programs and teachings and outreach of Chabad live on.

The wife of the Rebbe, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson (1901-1988), was also a legend in her own time, and is remembered to this day.  Although she had no children of her own, it was said that she would always say that the Chasidim were her children, and indeed, thousands--if not tens of thousands of girls around the world proudly bear her name. Chaya means life and Mushka is an aromatic spice. The Rebbe once made a comment on the significance of naming a child after the Rebbetzin:

"...We can demonstrate that 'her children are alive,' by our taking a lesson from her conduct, and conducting ourselves in her spirit, in a manner of self-sacrifice. This is even more so when naming a child after her, and training the child to follow her example. After all, this is the most basic aspect of her children are alive, so too is she alive..." 

After narrowly escaping the Nazi onslaught in France, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson and his wife arrived in the United States of America on the 28th day of the Jewish month of Sivan (In 2011 it is 30 June). 

In this film, we see some original footage and hear from those who were there to witness the arrival of the last Rebbe of Lubavitch. This excerpt is from My Encounter With the Rebbe (Volume 4) produced by Jewish Educational Media.

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