The 3rd of Tamuz, observed this year on Thursday, June 18, marks the 32nd yahrtzeit (hilula) of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Known simply as “The Rebbe” to millions around the globe, he was the most influential Jewish leader in modern history, and arguably the most impactful rabbi of all time.
Through a worldwide network of emissaries serving in every corner of the globe, the Rebbe’s vision and teachings continue to touch the lives of millions. His influence can be found in bustling cities and remote villages, in universities and hospitals, in government offices and family homes.
In the aftermath of the Holocaust, when many feared Judaism faced an uncertain future, the Rebbe inspired a remarkable renaissance of Jewish life. He encouraged Jews everywhere to embrace their heritage with pride, joy, and optimism. More importantly, he demonstrated those values through his own life. His message of personal responsibility, love for every Jew, and unwavering faith helped revitalize countless individuals and communities, forever changing the trajectory of Jewish history.
The Rebbe took extraordinary responsibility for the material and spiritual welfare of Jews worldwide. He played a crucial role in supporting and rescuing Jewish communities in the Soviet Union, Morocco, Iran, and elsewhere, while simultaneously reaching Jews in places as distant as Alaska, Curaçao, and Japan.
Leaders of Israel regularly sought his guidance on matters ranging from education and public health to military strategy, economics, and international relations. Yet despite his global stature, the Rebbe never lost sight of the individual. Every person mattered.
Growing up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, just a few blocks from the Rebbe, I was privileged to see him regularly. I prayed in his synagogue, sang at his farbrengens, attended his public gatherings, and eagerly sought every opportunity to catch a glimpse of him. As a child, I would watch thousands of people travel from around the world to seek his counsel, hear his teachings, or simply be in his presence, and I remember thinking how privileged I was to live right there.
One of the most memorable sights was Sunday Dollars. For hours each week, the Rebbe stood and personally greeted thousands of people from every walk of life, giving each person a dollar to donate to charity along with a blessing. People treasured those moments. Most would replace the dollar with one of their own for charity and keep the Rebbe’s dollar as a cherished reminder of his blessing. I vividly remember the lines of thousands going around the block.
The Rebbe’s accessibility was extraordinary. Statesmen, scholars, artists, and world leaders sought his counsel. Among those who met with him were President Ronald Reagan, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Prime Ministers Menachem Begin and Yitzchak Rabin, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, and musician Bob Dylan. Yet the same attention and care shown to public figures was extended to every individual who crossed his path.
His concerns extended far beyond the Jewish community. The Rebbe spoke passionately about education, moral values, care for the vulnerable, family life, ethical government, and social responsibility. He advocated for a universal moral code based on the Seven Noahide Laws and believed that the timeless wisdom of the Torah remained as relevant in modern society as it was 3,338 years ago at Mount Sinai.
Today, the Rebbe’s teachings have become deeply woven into the fabric of Jewish life and continue to inspire people of all backgrounds. More people than ever are studying his teachings, participating in Jewish life, and embracing his vision of bringing goodness, kindness, and spiritual awareness into the world.
Thousands visit the Rebbe’s synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway and his resting place, known as the Ohel, each week. There, people pray to G-d for guidance, blessing, and inspiration.
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The Ohel has become a destination not only for Jews but for leaders and people of all faiths. In 2013, then-Newark Mayor Cory Booker visited the Ohel on the eve of his election to the United States Senate. Before his election campaigns, President Donald Trump sent family members to pray there on his behalf and later visited personally. Argentine President Javier Milei visited before his election and continues to return before major decisions. On any day, at any hour, visitors from around the world can be found praying at this sacred site.
The Rebbe’s scholarship was equally remarkable. His teachings encompass every area of Torah study, including Jewish philosophy, theology, biblical commentary, Talmud, Kabbalah, ethics, and practical guidance for daily living. At Chabad Chayil, we are privileged to study the Rebbe’s teachings together every Shabbat following Kiddush. Each week explores a different topic and offers fresh insights, fascinating ideas, and practical inspiration. Everyone is welcome to join.
Despite the tremendous respect and admiration he commanded worldwide, the Rebbe lived with striking simplicity. While overseeing a vast network of institutions and activities, his own synagogue remained modest and unassuming. As a child, I often wondered why such a great leader prayed in such a simple building. I remember promising myself that one day, if I could, I would help beautify it in a way befitting its significance.
In the coming weeks, Jewish communities around the world will commemorate this special day with gatherings, classes, farbrengens, and acts of kindness. I encourage everyone to connect with their local synagogue or Chabad center and, even more importantly, to undertake an additional mitzvah or good deed in honor of the Rebbe’s legacy. Every positive action helps bring more light into the world.
We invite you to join us at The Family Shul for a special Shabbat Dinner and Lunch Farbrengen honoring the Rebbe, featuring inspiring guest speakers and meaningful discussion. Reservations can be made at ChabadChayil.org/Meals or by calling 305-770-1919.
A group of South Floridians will also be traveling, G-d willing, to the Rebbe’s Ohel on the day of the hilula. If you would like to participate, send a letter, or have prayers recited on your behalf, it would be our honor to represent you. Please visit ChabadChayil.org/Contact and we will be happy to assist.
The Rebbe taught that every individual possesses the ability to transform the world through a single positive action. If each of us strives to emulate even one aspect of his example—his kindness, optimism, faith, generosity, or concern for others—we can continue his mission of making the world a better place, one step at a time.
The Rebbe’s 32nd yahrtzeit begins on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, and concludes on the evening of Thursday, June 18, 2026.
To learn more about the Rebbe and his teachings, visit www.ChabadChayil.org/Rebbe.
About the author:
Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP – an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or [email protected]