Snieg - Shmuel Aba

סניעג - שמואל אבא

Rabbi Shmuel Aba Snieg (Rabbinic Leader and Community Activist)

Rabbi Shmuel Aba Snieg was a prominent rabbinic figure and communal leader, as evident from his correspondence with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. His letters to the Rebbe reflect his involvement in Torah scholarship, synagogue life, and Jewish educational initiatives, particularly in postwar Europe.

Correspondence with the Rebbe

The letters exchanged between Rabbi Snieg and the Rebbe reveal a relationship grounded in halachic inquiry, communal responsibility, and spiritual encouragement. In a letter dated 11 Tammuz, 5714 (1954), Rabbi Snieg sought the Rebbe's opinion regarding an ancient Sefer Torah in his synagogue, specifically about irregularities in the script—such as the placement and form of the reversed nuns and oversized letters. The Rebbe responded with detailed halachic sources, referencing works like Meir Einei Sofrim, Mishnas Avraham, and Shaarei Ephraim, and provided clear guidance on how to correct these issues according to tradition. The tone is respectful and scholarly, with the Rebbe expressing appreciation for Rabbi Snieg's diligence in upholding Torah standards.

In a subsequent letter dated 8 Shevat, 5715 (1955), the Rebbe addressed Rabbi Snieg's report about a farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) on Yud-Tes Kislev and the practical resolutions made there. The Rebbe also advised on the sensitive matter of establishing Jewish schools in the local camp, weighing the potential impact on the children's Torah education. He encouraged Rabbi Snieg to engage with the American authorities then in control, noting their openness to strengthening religious life, and blessed him for continued success in drawing Jews closer to G-d both materially and spiritually.

Role in the Community

From the context of the letters, it is clear that Rabbi Snieg was deeply involved in the religious and educational life of his community, likely in a displaced persons camp or similar setting after World War II. He is described as "oseik b'tzitzis" (engaged in communal Torah matters) and "ish rav pe'alim" (a man of many accomplishments). The Rebbe's responses reflect recognition of Rabbi Snieg's leadership and his efforts to maintain and strengthen Jewish observance and education under challenging circumstances.

Shiurim in this topic
2800. Checking for Additional Errors in a Sefer Torah with Unusual Script בדיקת טעויות נוספות בספר תורה עם כתב בלתי רגיל
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3255. Starting a School and Its Impact on the Community יסוד בית ספר והשפעתו על הקהילה
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6002. Yud-Tes Kislev, Shabbos Mevorchim Tehillim, and Blessings for the Year י"ט כסלו, שבת מברכים תהלים, וברכות לשנה
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7176. On the Day of Hilulah, Redemption, and the Promise of Inheritance ביום ההילולא, הגאולה, והבטחת הירושה
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7551. Guidance on Schools Teaching Both Kodesh and Secular Studies הדרכה על בתי ספר המלמדים לימודי קודש ולימודי חול
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