Introduction Today we'll do Yimei Chabad (Days of Chabad) from the sixth day of Adar. This is in the year 5627 (Taf-Resh-Kaf-Zayin). That’s 5,627.
The Birth of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Yeah, so on this day is the birth of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, who was the youngest son of the Rebbe Maharash. The Rebbe Maharash had three sons. He had one, the oldest one was Rabbi Raza—Rabbi Zalman Aaron. Then there was the next under him was the Rebbe Rashab—Rabbi Shalom DovBer—he became the Rebbe. And then there was a younger one, his name was Rabbi Menachem Mendel.
He was born within the year of mourning for the Tzemach Tzedek. That's the Rebbe Maharash's father. The Tzemach Tzedek passed away in the year 5626 (Taf-Resh-Kaf-Vav). This is exactly, almost to the year that the Tzemach Tzedek passed away on the 13th day of Nissan. He was born on the sixth day of Adar in the following year, so that wasn't quite a year. It was just almost, almost a year after. It was still within the year of the mourning. So they named him Rabbi Menachem Mendel on the name of the Tzemach Tzedek who passed away.
Service and the Russian Tanya And he was a great help to his brother, the Rebbe Rashab, who sent him in the community affairs working for him. He sent him many times to the capital, you know, to the capital of Russia when it was dealing with—needed to deal with matters pertaining to the community.
The Rebbe related in a talk in Shabbat Parshas Naso, 5735 (Taf-Shin-Lamed-Heh). So the Rebbe related that the brother of the Rebbe Rashab, which was called on the name of the Tzemach Tzedek, had at one point, he translated the book of the Tanya into Russian. And he sent this translation to a great individual who was not Jewish. He sent him a copy and he was very excited to get it, and from the Tanya, from what's written in there.
Exile in Corsica Because of his financial state, situation, he was forced to leave Russia and he moved to Paris in France. And later on, he went over to live in the island of Corsica, which belongs to France.
So, later on, in the year 5700 (Taf-Shin)—so that's already in the year that the… was right before the war, you know, before the war, when the war broke out, you know, in around 1940, in that time. The previous Rebbe sent a telegram to the Rebbe, who was at that time in France. And the Rebbe writes to him that "my uncle Mendel"—that's his father's brother, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the son of the Maharash, the youngest brother—"needs help," he says to the Rebbe.
And he says to the Rebbe, "If you have the possibility, I would ask you to send them some help, you know, maybe some money or something like that." And the Rebbe gives him the address as "Erus-Galya-Korskaya."
Passing and Re-interment in Tzfat He passed away, actually, in the year 5702 (Taf-Shin-Beis). That's in 1942, in the island of Corsica. He actually is interned in Corsica. Now, the Rebbe tried to get him moved to Eretz Yisrael from there—to move his body from Eretz Yisrael. And the Rebbe writes in one of his letters, printed in Igros Kodesh…
He writes, "As far as my uncle"—that's his uncle-grandfather-uncle, because it's not the Rebbe's direct uncle... it's his grandfather's, which is Rebbe Rashab's brother. So he says, "As far as the great-grand uncle, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, so we don't know the exact time of his passing. I don't know the exact time." But that was in the city of Bastia. Bastia, which is the main city of the Corsica islands.
And during the time that the… that was during the time, he says here clearly, that the Nazis, Germans, yimach shemam, were already, they were dominating France at the time. They had taken over. And he is interned in the cemetery over there. His formal name was Mendel Schneersohn.
But in the year 5716 (Taf-Shin-Tes-Zayin)—that was already in the year 1955 already—his body was actually brought up to Israel. And by the instruction of the Rebbe, he was interned in Tzfat. They buried him in Tzfat. Based on the testimony of somebody who actually saw, he took care of the burial of the body, and they said that his body was intact, notwithstanding that it was 15 years after he had been buried.
Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary (The Rashag) Now, another thing is, this is already in more recent times, is the 6th of Adar Aleph. In the year 5749 (Taf-Shin-Mem-Tes), that was the day of passing of the righteous Chassid, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, known as the Rashag. He was the brother-in-law of the Rebbe and the son-in-law of the previous Rebbe.
He was appointed by the previous Rebbe as the head of the Adin and the, basically, head masters of all the central Yeshiva of Tomchei Temimim. And he was dedicated to this task completely, with total dedication till his last day.
The Rebbe said of him that he understands things real, real deep and he can give good advice. He was a great expert, the Rashag, in the Chassidic teachings and he was totally devoted and connected to the Rebbe, his brother-in-law.
A Legacy of Devotion During the days of his mourning, the Rebbe davened actually in his house, which was upstairs. The Rebbe also instructed they should print a special edition of the Tanya in remembering of his name and that the printing should complete during the Shiva.
He's interned next to the Ohel, next to the place of interment of his father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, in New York in the Old Montefiore Cemetery.
And it was, you know, it was in a certain sense of sacrifice on his part because he was sort of the older son-in-law and he was like totally, totally devoted to the Rebbe. Would sit at every gathering right next on the Rebbe's right. He would sit and listen to all the talks, you know, that the Rebbe would be giving. And he was like completely… yeah, completely devoted to the Rebbe. That's, you know, that's amazing that for a person of that age and of that stature to be that way.
1. The Birth of Reb Menachem Mendel
The sixth of Adar marks the birthday of Reb Menachem Mendel, the youngest son of the Rebbe Maharash. This event is significant in Chabad history, as it connects to the lineage of leadership and the spiritual legacy passed down through generations. Reb Menachem Mendel was born in the year 5627 (tof reish chaf zayin—1867), a time marked by both challenge and opportunity for the Chabad movement. Reb Menachem Mendel’s birth was seen as a source of light and hope, especially considering the turbulent times in which he was born. His father, the Rebbe Maharash, was known for his strength and vision, and these qualities were expected to be inherited by his children.2. The Legacy of the Tzemach Tzedek
To understand Reb Menachem Mendel’s place in Chabad history, it is important to recall that his grandfather was the Tzemach Tzedek. The Tzemach Tzedek himself was born in tof kuf nun vav—1796, and his life’s work laid much of the foundation for later generations. He was renowned for his scholarship and leadership, guiding Chabad through complex times. The connection between generations is emphasized by how each Rebbe built upon the work of their predecessors. The Tzemach Tzedek’s influence extended not only through his teachings but also through his descendants, including the Rebbe Maharash and subsequently Reb Menachem Mendel.3. Stories of Mesirus Nefesh and Tanya
There are stories illustrating how deeply connected these leaders were to their heritage and to each other. For example, there is an account where a copy of Tanya—the foundational text of Chabad philosophy—was shown to someone who was not yet familiar with its teachings. This act symbolized both outreach and dedication to spreading Chassidus even under difficult circumstances. During times when financial hardship or political instability made it dangerous to possess Jewish texts, such as under Russian rule or during periods of upheaval in France, these leaders went to great lengths to preserve their spiritual heritage. They would sometimes have to hide or transport sacred books at great personal risk.4. Correspondence During Times of Crisis
In later years, particularly around 1942 (tof shin beis), there are records of telegrams sent between family members who were separated by war and upheaval. One such telegram involved a request for financial assistance or support from one brother to another during a time when many Jews were fleeing or hiding from Nazi persecution. Addresses like “Yeroskalia Kraskaya” are mentioned as places where correspondence could safely reach family members who were displaced across Europe. These letters reflect both practical concerns and deep familial bonds that sustained them during crisis.5. The Role of Family Connections
The relationships between various members of the Chabad dynasty are complex but deeply meaningful. For instance, Reb Menachem Mendel is referred to as an uncle or grand-uncle within different branches of the family tree—highlighting how interconnected these figures are within Chabad history. These connections are not merely genealogical but also spiritual: each member carried forward aspects of their predecessors’ missions while adapting them to new challenges.6. The Movement Across Countries
As political realities shifted in Europe—with wars, revolutions, and changing borders—members of the Chabad family found themselves moving from Russia to France, Corsica, and other locations. Each move brought new challenges but also opportunities for spreading Torah and Chassidus. Despite uncertainty about exact dates or locations at times (such as whether someone was in Bastia or Corsica), what remains clear is their unwavering commitment to their mission wherever they found themselves.7. Reflections on Legacy and Continuity
In reflecting on these stories, we see how each generation faced its own unique tests but remained steadfast in preserving Torah values and Chassidic teachings. Whether through direct teaching, writing letters under duress, or simply maintaining hope during dark times, they ensured that their legacy would continue. This ongoing chain links us today with those earlier generations—reminding us that every act done with sincerity can have lasting impact on future generations within Klal Yisrael.