Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn
Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn, also known as the Rebbe Rashab, was the fifth Rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic dynasty. He was born on March 20, 1860, in Lubavitch, Russia, and assumed leadership of the Chabad movement in 1892 following the passing of his father, Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn. Rabbi Shalom DovBer was known for his profound scholarly contributions to Jewish thought and Hasidic philosophy, as well as for his efforts to strengthen Jewish education and community life under challenging circumstances.
During his leadership, he established the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva in 1897, which was revolutionary in its integration of mystical and intellectual study, aiming to produce scholars deeply versed in both the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah. This institution became a central pillar in the education system of Chabad and continues to influence Chabad yeshivas worldwide.
Rabbi Shalom DovBer was also a visionary leader who navigated his community through the turbulent times of the early 20th century, including World War I and the rise of the Bolshevik regime in Russia. His writings and discourses, many of which have been preserved and published, address a wide range of Jewish spiritual and practical issues. He passed away on March 21, 1920, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, leaving a lasting legacy on Jewish life and thought.