This summer, tens of thousands of Jews — many in black hats and long beards signifying their orthodoxy — have come from around the world to a crowded cemetery in the New York borough of Queens to mourn and celebrate Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Ukrainian-born rabbi who became leader of one of modern Judaism’s most vibrant strains, the movement known as Chabad-Lubavitch, or just Chabad (pronounced with a throaty, Hebrew-sounding “ch”). Schneerson died 20 years ago in June, but on the Hebrew calendar the date this year corresponds with July 1. Crowds have been coming to pray and study for weeks.
Schneerson was beloved and hugely influential during his lifetime, meeting with many world leaders seeking guidance and even seen by some Chabad members as perhaps the messiah. His combination of ultra-Orthodoxy and outreach made him unique among Jews, a particularly un-evangelistic sort. Schneerson embraced technology and inclusive, uplifting language as a way to bring people closer to God.
Read Full Article »