Rabbi Shalom Dovber of Lubavitch
Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn, also known as the Rebbe Rashab, was the fifth Rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic dynasty. He was born on March 20, 1860, in Lubavitch, Russia, and assumed leadership of the Chabad movement in 1882 following the passing of his father, Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn. Rabbi Shalom Dovber was a profound scholar and a prominent Jewish figure in his time, known for his deep spiritual insights and teachings in Hasidic philosophy.
During his leadership, he focused on strengthening Jewish education and spirituality, establishing the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in 1897, which became a central institution for the study of Hasidic teachings and Jewish law. The yeshiva was unique in its integration of mystical and rational approaches to Jewish study, which became a hallmark of Chabad philosophy.
Rabbi Shalom Dovber was also an active defender of Jewish rights and worked tirelessly to support Jewish communities facing economic hardships and political oppression in Russia. He was known for his eloquent writings and discourses, many of which have been preserved and continue to be studied. His leadership spanned the challenging times of the early 20th century, including World War I and the beginnings of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. He passed away on March 21, 1920, leaving a lasting legacy on Jewish thought and the Chabad movement.