Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812) was the founder of Chabad Lubavitch Hasidism. He was born in Liozna, present-day Belarus, and became a disciple of Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidic Judaism. Rabbi Schneur Zalman is best known for his philosophical work, the Tanya, which lays out the ideological framework of Chabad Hasidism, emphasizing the mind's control over the emotions and the pursuit of understanding and knowledge of God.
Under his leadership, Chabad Hasidism grew and became distinguished for its intellectual rigor and emphasis on serving God through understanding and emotion. Rabbi Schneur Zalman was also a prominent halachic authority, and he authored the Shulchan Aruch HaRav, a code of Jewish law that is widely respected and studied in Jewish communities today.
His legacy continues through the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement, which is known for its outreach and educational activities, aimed at encouraging Jews worldwide to learn about and practice Judaism. His descendants and followers have played significant roles in the spread of Jewish education and spirituality across the globe.