Chabad Timeline
"The light of Chabad is meant to shine everywhere, in every generation, for every Jew"
Birth of the Alter Rebbe
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad Chassidus, was born in Liozna, Belarus. His revolutionary approach would transform Jewish mysticism into an accessible intellectual system.
Birth of the Mitteler Rebbe
Birth of Rabbi DovBer Schneuri, the Mitteler Rebbe, second Rebbe of Chabad and son of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe. He was known for his deep, detailed Chassidic teachings that expanded on his father's works and emphasized understanding G-dliness with clarity and depth.
One good deed can tip the scale of the world toward good.
Tzemach Tzedek Born
Birth of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Lubavitcher Rebbe and grandson of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe. The Tzemach Tzedek is known for his vast Torah scholarship, responsa, and leadership that greatly strengthened and expanded the Chabad movement.
Tanya Published
The first edition of the Tanya, the foundational text of Chabad philosophy, was printed in Slavuta. This seminal work bridges Kabbalah and daily life, offering profound insights into the human soul.
A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.
Liberation of the Alter Rebbe
Release of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, from imprisonment in S. Petersburg. He had been falsely accused by the Russian authorities of supporting Napoleon. His release is celebrated in Chabad as the "Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus," marking the triumph of Torah and Chassidic teachings over adversity.
Yom Hilula of the Alter Rebbe
Passing of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad-Lubavitch. He had been in ill health after fleeing Napoleon's invasion of Russia and passed away in Liadi. The Alter Rebbe was renowned for founding Chabad philosophy, authoring the Tanya, and establishing the framework for Chabad Chassidus. 24 Teves is observed by Chassidim as his yahrzeit, a day of Torah study, reflection, and inspiration drawn from his teachings.
The purpose of creation is to make a dwelling place for G-d in the lower worlds.
Mitteler Rebbe's Nesiut Begins
Rabbi DovBer Schneuri, the Mitteler Rebbe, officially assumed leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch following the passing of his father, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe). This marked the beginning of the Mitteler Rebbe’s nesius (leadership), distinguished by the deep expansion of Chassidus and the founding of the town of Lubavitch as the movement’s center.
Chag Hageulah of the Mitteler Rebbe
Release of Rabbi DovBer Schneuri, the Mitteler Rebbe, from imprisonment in Vitebsk. He had been falsely accused of anti-government activity due to his communal work. His liberation was seen as a heavenly vindication of his teachings and leadership, and the day is celebrated in Chabad as a day of redemption (Yom HaGeulah).
Every person has the ability to change the world.
Yom Hilula of Mitteler Rebbe
Passing of Rabbi DovBer Schneuri, the Mitteler Rebbe, second Rebbe of Chabad and son of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. He was renowned for his deep, analytical Chassidic teachings that greatly expanded Chabad philosophy. Remarkably, he passed away on his birthday, making 9 Kislev both his birthday and yahrzeit — a day of reflection and connection for Chassidim.
Nesiut of Tzemach Tzedek Begins
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek, formally assumed leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch following the passing of his father-in-law and uncle, Rabbi DovBer Schneuri, the Mitteler Rebbe. His leadership was marked by immense Torah scholarship, prolific halachic writings, and efforts to strengthen Jewish communities throughout Russia.
Think good, and it will be good.
Rebbe Maharash is Born
Birth of Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn, the Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. He was known for his exceptional depth in Chassidus, his leadership during difficult times for Russian Jewry, and his guidance of Chassidim with clarity, strength, and refinement.
Birthday of the Rebbe Rashab
Birth of Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn, known as the Rebbe Rashab, the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Renowned for his profound Chassidic teachings, he founded the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in 1897, shaping generations of Chabad students with both Torah scholarship and Chassidic spirit. His leadership strengthened Jewish life during turbulent times in Russia and left a lasting impact on Chabad philosophy and education.
We are all one body, one soul.
Passing of the Tzemach Tzedek
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the third Chabad Rebbe, passed away after expanding Chabad's influence and authoring thousands of responsa and Chassidic discourses.
Rebbe Maharash's Nesiut Begins
Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn, the Rebbe Maharash, officially assumes leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch following the passing of his father, the Tzemach Tzedek. His nesius (leadership) was marked by deep Torah scholarship, guidance of the Chassidim, and emphasis on confronting challenges directly, exemplified by his famous teaching “L’chatchila ariber” — to face obstacles head-on
One good deed can tip the scale of the world toward good.
Frierdiker Rebbe Born
Birth of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Frierdiker Rebbe, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. He later became a heroic leader of Soviet Jewry, strengthening Torah life under extreme persecution, and ultimately rebuilt Chabad in the United States, laying the foundation for its global revival.
Yom Hilula of the Rebbe Maharash
Passing of Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn, the Rebbe Maharash, fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Known for his teaching 'L'chatchila ariber' — to face challenges head-on. He strengthened Jewish life under Czarist Russia and promoted Torah education and community welfare. He passed away in Lubavitch and was succeeded by his son, Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rashab).
A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.
Founding of Tomchei Temimim
The Rebbe Rashab established the first Chabad yeshiva in Lubavitch, creating a revolutionary educational institution that combined Talmudic study with Chassidic philosophy.
Birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka
Birth of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, daughter of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. She later married Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, and was deeply revered for her humility, devotion, and support of Chabad's global activities. Her life remains an inspiration to Chassidim worldwide.
The purpose of creation is to make a dwelling place for G-d in the lower worlds.
Birthday of the Rebbe
Birth of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, in Nikolaev, Russia. He would later become the leader of Chabad-Lubavitch, transforming it into a global movement through outreach, education, and the Mivtzoim campaigns.
Yom Hilula of the Rebbe Rashab
Passing of Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rashab), the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe. He was renowned for founding the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva, developing Chabad Chassidic philosophy, and guiding the movement through challenging times in Russia. His passing marked a pivotal moment in Chabad history, later leading to the leadership of his son-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Frierdiker Rebbe.
Every person has the ability to change the world.
Frierdiker Rebbe's Nesiut Begins
The Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, begins his nesiut following the passing of his father, the Rebbe Rashab. Despite the harsh anti-religious climate of the Soviet Union, he immediately strengthened underground Torah life, organized secret yeshivos and mikvaos, and became a central force in preserving Judaism under Communist oppression.
Frierdiker Rebbe is Arrested
Arrest of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Frierdiker Rebbe, by the Soviet authorities. He was accused of counter-revolutionary activities due to his efforts to sustain Jewish education, Torah study, and observance under Soviet persecution. His arrest sparked an international outcry, and after intense pressure from Jewish communities worldwide, he was released on 12 Av 5684 (August 13, 1927), strengthening his leadership and resolve.
Think good, and it will be good.
Wedding Anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin
Marriage of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson to Chaya Mushka Schneerson, daughter of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. This union strengthened the continuity of the Chabad leadership and laid the foundation for Rabbi Menachem Mendel's future role as the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Frierdiker Rebbe's Arrival In the United States
Arrival of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Frierdiker Rebbe, in the United States. After escaping persecution in Europe, he came to Brooklyn, New York, establishing the Chabad-Lubavitch center in America. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for Chabad, allowing the movement to grow, strengthen Jewish life, and continue its outreach and educational activities in freedom.
We are all one body, one soul.
Yom Hilula of R’ Levi Yitzchock, the Rebbe’s Father
Yom Hilula of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father. A towering Kabbalist and the Rav of Dnepropetrovsk, he endured harsh Soviet persecution for strengthening Jewish life. He passed away in exile in Kazakhstan, and the Rebbe later honored his memory with countless teachings, sichos, and communal initiatives devoted to his legacy.
One good deed can tip the scale of the world toward good.
Yom Hilula of the Frierdiker Rebbe
Passing of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. He was a tireless leader who guided Chabad through the challenges of Soviet persecution and World War II, ultimately relocating the movement's center to Brooklyn, New York. His passing marked the transition to his son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Kabbalas Hanesius of the Rebbe
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson assumes leadership as the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe following the passing of his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. This day marks the official beginning of his Rebbe-ship, a leadership that would profoundly transform Chabad worldwide through outreach, education, and the global Mivtzoim campaigns.
A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.
Yom Hilula Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib, the Rebbe’s Brother
Yom Hilula of the Rebbe's Mother, Rebbetzin Chana
Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson passed away at 84 years old on Shabbos Parshas Vayelech 5725. Rebbetzin Chana was a remarkable woman of deep faith, courage, and quiet heroism. Born in 1880 in Nikolayev, Ukraine, she was married to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a renowned kabbalist and the chief rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (today Dnipro, Ukraine).
The purpose of creation is to make a dwelling place for G-d in the lower worlds.
The Rebbe Starts Mivtza Tefillin
The Lubavitcher Rebbe launches Mivtza Tefillin. During the Six-Day War, the Rebbe encouraged Jews worldwide to put on tefillin daily, emphasizing personal connection to Hashem and the power of mitzvot. This marked the beginning of the Rebbe’s global outreach campaigns (Mivtzoim), which inspired millions to strengthen their Jewish practice.
The Rebbe Recovers from his Heart Attack
On this day, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, returned home from the hospital after suffering a severe heart attack on Shemini Atzeres that year. His recovery was seen by Chassidim as a great miracle and a sign of renewed strength and blessing. Rosh Chodesh Kislev has since been celebrated in Chabad as a day of joy and thanksgiving (Yom Simchah) marking the Rebbe's return to public life.
Every person has the ability to change the world.
Didan Notzach of the Seforim
On this day, the court ruled in favor of the Chabad movement in the lawsuit concerning the ownership of the Rebbeim's manuscripts and rare books, including works of the Alter Rebbe, Mitteler Rebbe, and Tzemach Tzedek. The decision ensured that these sacred texts remained the property of Chabad, allowing continued study, publication, and dissemination. Hei Teves is commemorated as a victory for Torah and Chassidus, often marked by Torah study, farbrengens, and outreach.
Yom Hilula of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka
Passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe. She was deeply revered for her humility, dedication, and support of the Rebbe's work. Her passing was a profound moment for the Chabad community, and her memory is honored through Torah study, acts of kindness, and dedication to Chabad institutions.
Think good, and it will be good.
Lubavitcher Rebbe Passes Away
The Lubavitcher Rebbe passed away, leaving behind a legacy of thousands of Chabad centers worldwide and millions of lives touched by his teachings and vision.
Chabad in 100+ Countries
Chabad-Lubavitch operates over 5,000 institutions worldwide, serving Jewish communities in over 100 countries. The Rebbe's vision of spreading light and goodness continues to flourish globally.