Alter Rebbe’s Descendants Gather at Annual Melava Malka

Descendants of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, gathered in Crown Heights for the annual Melaveh Malkah held in honor of his Hilula, marking the period surrounding the 24th of Teves.

The grand ballroom of the Lubavitcher Yeshiva was filled as descendants from many branches of the Alter Rebbe’s family gathered from neighborhoods across New York City and the surrounding areas.

The evening opened with a Dvar Malchus of the Rebbe, presented through a video address speaking about the Alter Rebbe and the responsibility carried by his descendants.

Rabbi Velvl Butman served as the MC for the evening. He shared the Rebbe’s teaching regarding the wording in the nusach of the Alter Rebbe, which says only “וְצֶאֱצָאֵינוּ” and not “וְצֶאֱצָאֵי צֶאֱצָאֵינוּ.”

The Rebbe explains that this wording teaches that descendants of the seventh and eighth generations are just as close as those of the second and third generations, as everyone is included in the same one word. This makes clear how close we all truly are, and the great merit and responsibility that rests upon each of us.

Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twersky of the Chernobyl–Cherkas–Hornsteipel dynasty addressed the gathering and spoke about the great privilege of being descendants of the Alter Rebbe.
Rabbi Twersky shared the story of a simple Jew who prayed every single day the entire Siddur, from beginning to end, because he did not know the difference between Shacharis, Mincha, Maariv, or the prayers of Shabbos. So every day, he said everything.

Once, righteous tzaddikim came to visit him. They showed him which prayers were meant for each time of day and placed small papers in his Siddur as markers. As the holy visitors left, suddenly a strong wind blew and scattered all the papers out of the prayer book, the Siddur.

The Jew ran quickly after the tzaddikim. Seeing them cross rushing water with a handkerchief, he too crossed the river with his own handkerchief in simple faith. When the tzaddikim witnessed this miracle, they said to him: “Continue your prayers exactly as before.” Because the simple faith of a Jew is precious and beloved by Hashem.

Rabbi Shem Rokeach, a respected Belzer chassid and a relative of the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, spoke warmly and shared memories and stories, reflecting on the special connection and continuity felt by the descendants.

Rabbi Rokeach, a gifted speaker, spoke of Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman, of blessed memory, and his many years of dedication to ensuring that this Melaveh Malkah was conducted on the highest standard. He also mentioned Rabbi Leibel Groner, the Mazkir of the Rebbe, who attended each year and would share personal stories of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Shlomo Segal, a dayan in Crown Heights, made a siyum on the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch. He then shared a story of the Rebbe regarding how religious families in Eretz Yisrael who do not serve in the army should dedicate the first three years of their marriage to strengthening Jewish life wherever it is needed.

During those years, there is no concern regarding education, as the children are still very young. This approach would bring greater harmony among families in Eretz Yisrael, as all would be seen as serving the Jewish people.

Rabbi Michoel Zeligson, author of many seforim, including his famous works on the Hayom Yom, made the haschalah on the first paragraph of the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe. He told a beautiful story of the Rebbe, emphasizing the lessons of remaining connected to our family roots and living with that connection in everyday life.

Rabbi Yossi Butman spoke about the special merit granted to his father, Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman, of blessed memory, who received a specific directive from the Rebbe to organize an annual Melaveh Malkah for the descendants of the Alter Rebbe, with the instruction that he should do so every year and not excuse himself, even with a genuine reason. For over fifty years, his father carried out this responsibility with devotion and dedication.

Rabbi Yosef Zirkind sang the ten niggunim of the Alter Rebbe with much soul and warmth.

Participants accepted upon themselves to participate in the study of the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe to be completed by the coming 24th of Teves.

This is available to anybody who would like to participate in this special learning, and anybody can join by visiting the website www.AlterRebbe.org.

Rabbi Mendel Moskowitz of Chicago came specially to present a detailed slideshow on the Alter Rebbe’s family tree. The presentation reflected many years of work and included hundreds of carefully researched details, inspiring all present to more deeply appreciate “who we come from and who we represent.”

Rabbi Naftali Citron, a great grandson of Rabbi Zalman Schneerson of Paris of blessed memory and grandson of Mrs. Hadassah Carlebach, decedent and matriarch of a large illustrious Lubavitch family.

Rabbi Naftali inspired the audience with his oratory skills and his vast knowledge of Torah. He wove together a beautiful and uplifting talk demonstrating how Halochoh and Jewish law have a practical lesson for all of us, how to improve our lives and to live a meaningful, happy and productive life.

Rabbi Citron based his talk on a Sicha of the Rebbe, the Shulchon Aruch and the lessons to be learned from a Sukkah. He emphasized the importance of each person maximizing their potential, to use our talents endowed to us by Hashem and to be a contributing positive force for the entire world, hastening the time of Moshiach.

The music and sound system for the evening were provided by Rabbi Ashi Sapor. Rabbi Zalman Tevel did the photography and videography.

A special thank you was extended to Rabbi Meir Cohen for his many years of devoted service and for preparing elegant tables befitting such a distinguished and beautiful evening.

If anyone is aware of descendants of the Alter Rebbe who should be notified, please contact Rabbi Yossi Butman at 718-778-6000 with their contact information.

Participants were inspired with a renewed anticipation that Moshiach will come imminently, and that together we will merit to go to the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael and behold the revelation of the Alter Rebbe with the Rebbe, with the coming of Moshiach now.