The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rabbi Menachem Mendel
Schneerson

His depth of wisdom, knowledge and understanding is an eternal source of spiritual and moral sustenance for all people.

His belief in, and compassion for each individual illuminates the world with loving kindness.

He continues to inspire, motivate and guide our path to the ultimate Redemption

On the tenth day of the Hebrew month Shevat, in the year 5710(1950), the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendle Schneerson, assumed the leadership of the Chabad Lubavitch movement

At the time, unspeakable pain and unbearable images of the holocaust were all to fresh in the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.

Like a mad serpent, intent on destroying all in it's path, the after effects of the nightmare continued to wreak havoc on the souls of those left in its wake.

The Rebbe's love of humankind dictated his commitment to the monumental task of rekindling the spirit of the post- holocaust generation. At the helm of the Chabad movement, his course of action was straight forward and direct...reuniting world Jewry with their common heritage and identity.

The Rebbe's love of humankind dictated his commitment to the monumental task of rekindling the spirit of the post-Holocaust generation

Thus ignited by the Rebbe's inspiration and guidance, Chabad evolved from a series of religious centers located primarily in Eastern Europe into a vital worldwide network, with more than 2,500 branches from Florida to Hong Kong, and beyond. Millions of people have been served by religious, educational and social service programs developed and implemented under the Rebbe's leadership

Ignited by the Rebbe's inspiration and guidance, Chabad has evolved from a series of religious centers located primarily in Eastern Europe into a vital worldwide network, with more than 2,500 branches from Florida to Hong Kong and beyond.

For decades , Presidents and Prime Ministers sought the Rebbe's counsel on a regular basis. But no more or less regularly than heads of households or any other human being seeking to draw from the conerstones, the Chabad philosophy...wisdom, understanding, and knowledge...which the Rebbe epitomized and dispensed with utmost compassion.

At the threshold of the Rebbe;s mission is the union of his prophetic vision and pragmatic leadership. Of all his attributes that fostered the rapid growth of Chabad, it was the Rebbe's total sense of equity that formed the foundation of his legacy. His total belief in and total dedication to our imminent Redemption-the time when the world will be at total peace, a time free of pain and suffering-through his call to increase our individual acts of kindness and good deeds is the ultimate demonstration of this.

At the threshold of the Rebbe's mission is the union of his prophetic vision and pragmatic leadership...though his call to increase our individual acts of kindness and good deeds.

Every man, woman or child, from the elite to the downtrodden, who trekked to 770 Eastern Parkway, in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York, to meet with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, knows that the preeminent leader of the Jewish people cares deeply about each and every one...that his love is an eternal legacy

As the anniversary of the physical passing of our beloved leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, approaches, his life long credo-to serve G-d with complete happiness and joy-comes to mind.

There is much to rejoice about within the past year. With the Rebbe's blessing and guidance the East Coast has blossomed with Yiddishkeit. We have built Chabad institutions and developed programs throughout the region. Yet, most of all, we stregthen communities. We help bring about a generation that carries the banner of Judaism high, thereby ensuring the vitality of our future. It is my fervent hope abd belief that the comnbined efforts of all our deeds of loving kindness merit the fulffilment of the age-old promise, the Rebbe's ultimate goal- the time of total peace, of no suffering or sadness-the Redemption.

With prayers that the Al-mighty, G-d, shall bestow upon each of you his infinite blessings, and that all of the goodness and caring you have put forth-working together as People Helping People-will be returned to you many times over.

Thank you and G-d bless you,
Rabbi Shmuel Mann
Director, Chabad Lubavitch of Venetian Islands