Dubav, Yitzhak

דובאוו, יצחק

Rabbi Yitzhak Dubov (Chabad Rabbi and Educator in Manchester)

Rabbi Yitzhak Dubov was a prominent Chabad rabbi and educator, active in Manchester, England. He is addressed in several letters by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who refers to him with honorific titles and consults him on matters of halachah, Chassidus education, and communal leadership.

Correspondence with the Rebbe

The letters from the Rebbe to Rabbi Dubov reflect a relationship of respect and trust, with the Rebbe addressing complex halachic and educational questions posed by Rabbi Dubov. In a letter dated 13 Nissan, 5712 (1952), the Rebbe responds to several detailed queries:

He addresses a halachic concern regarding the timing of Baruch She'amar for a Torah reader (baal koreh), emphasizing both the technical aspects of Jewish law and the importance of communal perception ("what will people say").
The Rebbe provides guidance on the curriculum for students studying Chassidus, recommending a balanced approach that includes both in-depth study and broad familiarity with foundational texts such as Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah and Iggeres HaTeshuvah in Tanya, as well as select writings of the Tzemach Tzedek. He stresses that the specific choice of texts should be determined by the mashpia (spiritual mentor) based on the students' needs and abilities.
He discusses a conceptual question about the Chassidic teaching that growth from a seed requires its decay, clarifying the difference between physical and spiritual processes, and relating it to the broader framework of Chassidic thought.
On the matter of reciting Kaddish after the counting of the Omer, the Rebbe expresses a preference for minimizing unnecessary Kaddish recitations, but allows for local custom if there is strong communal desire.
The Rebbe also expresses regret that his busy schedule prevents him from editing his talks and responding to letters as promptly as he would like.

Communal Leadership and Support

In a letter dated 21 Tammuz, 5715 (1955), the Rebbe's secretariat, on his behalf, requests Rabbi Dubov's assistance in supporting the dissemination of the book "Naim Zemirot Yisrael" by Rabbi Yitzchak Gerstenkorn, founder of Bnei Brak. The Rebbe asks Rabbi Dubov to meet Rabbi Gerstenkorn during his visit to Manchester and to help promote the book among the local community, demonstrating the Rebbe's trust in Rabbi Dubov's influence and leadership within Chabad circles in England.

Shiurim in this topic

3656. Assisting Rabbi Yitzchak Gershtkorn with Disseminating Naim Zemiros Yisroel עזרה לרבי יצחק גרשטנקורן בהפצת נעים זמירות ישראל

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4313. Selling Chametz and the Practice of Giving a Key מכירת חמץ ומנהג מסירת מפתח

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1575. Torah Study, Attending Funerals, and the Deeper Meaning of Mitzvos תלמוד תורה, השתתפות בלוויות, ומשמעות עמוקה של מצוות

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1510. Halachic Guidance on Prayer Timing, Chassidus Study, and Kaddish Customs הדרכה הלכתית על זמני תפילה, לימוד חסידות ומנהגי קדיש

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1998. Skipping Parts of Prayer, Its Consequences, and Guidance for Youth דילוג על חלקים מהתפילה, תוצאותיו, והדרכה לנוער

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2193. Rashi on Shabbat 55a, the Middle Letter, and the Meaning of Ana BeKoach רש"י על שבת נה, א, האות האמצעית, ומשמעות אנא בכח