A flurry of activity exploring the multifaceted life of the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, known as the Tzemach Tzedek, marks the 150th year of his passing on the 13th of Nissan 1866.
The first Rebbe to live in the Russian town of Lubavitch for the entire duration of his leadership, he was known for his brilliant Torah scholarship, fearless defense of the Jewish people and deep Chassidic fervor.
His responsa are renowned as acute and authoritative rulings across the gamut of Jewish law, and they are widely studied. His prolific literary output in both Chassidism and halacha was legendary, both in volume and depth.
Concurrently, Chabad scholar Rabbi Eli Rubin published an article exploring some salient characteristics of the Tzemach Tzedek’s Chassidic writings.
Among other things, Rubin demonstrates some of the different ways in which the Tzemach Tzedek synthesized, developed and expanded the teachings of his grandfather.
Kehot recently released a newly revised edition of the Tzemach Tzedek’s seminal work Derech Mitzvotecha in honor of this milestone. This new edition includes annotations and elucidations to the original text, aiding the reader in the study of this complex Chasidic work.
Lahak published a special study booklet that contains the Rebbe’s talks and discources said in honor of the Tzemach Tzedek’s 100th yartzeit – Chabad.org.
Much of the new research, as well as existing content, has been incorporated into a new mini-site dedicated to the Tzemach Tzedek on Chabad.org.
