1. Birth of Reb Baruch Shalom
Reb Baruch Shalom, the oldest son of the Tzemach Tzedek, was born on the 22nd day of Cheshvan in the year 5567 (1806). He is significant as the grandfather of the grandfather of our Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel. The lineage connects directly to the Tzemach Tzedek through Reb Baruch Shalom.
2. Family Connections
The Previous Rebbe noted that the Alter Rebbe held a special affection for Reb Baruch Shalom, his great-grandson. The Previous Rebbe himself descended from the youngest son of the Tzemach Tzedek, the Rebbe Maharash. The family ties are intricate: Reb Baruch Shalom's father and mother were both grandchildren of the Alter Rebbe, as they were cousins who married.
3. Education by the Alter Rebbe
From a young age, Reb Baruch Shalom had a close relationship with his great-grandfather, the Alter Rebbe. He would visit him daily to discuss what he had studied in cheder. At six years old he learned dikduk—grammar—and by seven he was studying Tanach—Torah, Nevi'im and Kesuvim—including books such as Tehillim with which many are less familiar.
4. Time with the Alter Rebbe
During the turbulent period when the Alter Rebbe had to leave Liadi because of Napoleon's advance, Reb Baruch Shalom remained close to him. He related that he spent 142 days near his great-grandfather before the Alter Rebbe's passing on Motzaei Shabbos Kodesh—a deeply formative experience for him.
5. Impact of Loss
The passing of the Alter Rebbe left Reb Baruch Shalom devastated and heartbroken. This sorrow marked his life significantly; he carried a broken heart throughout his years.
6. Legacy and Joy
Despite his sorrowful disposition, there are reflections on how this lineage influenced later generations, particularly our Rebbe's approach to joy. The Rebbe brought joy through Torah study and communal life while also feeling deeply for others' troubles. People would often share their challenges with him but forget to tell him when those issues were resolved—showing how personally he took their sorrows.
7. Overcoming Challenges through Joy
The idea that joy breaks through limitations is emphasized in Chabad teachings. The ability to overcome difficulties through simchah—joy—is a powerful tool that connects back to Reb Baruch Shalom's legacy and continues through our Rebbe's teachings today.
Notes
Reb Baruch Shalom (5567–5629 / 1806–1868) – see 16 Shevat – his yahrzeit.
The Rebbe's line – Reb Baruch Shalom → Reb Levi Yitzchak → Reb Baruch Schneur → Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, the Rebbe's father (see 20 Menachem Av) → the Rebbe (see 11 Nissan).
The Alter Rebbe's flight from Napoleon – see 29 Menachem Av – leaving Liadi and 24 Teves – his passing.
The Tzemach Tzedek – his father. See 29 Elul – his birth.