Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), the seventh rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch (also known as "The Rebbe"), was the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement from 1950 until his death in 1994. He is considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.

Gatherings of Conversations (1965)

 * The difference between a Jewish and a non-Jewish person stems from the common expression: "Let us differentiate." Thus, we do not have a case of profound change in which a person is merely on a superior level. Rather, we have a case of "let us differentiate" between totally different species. This is what needs to be said about the body: the body of a Jewish person is of a totally different quality from the body of [members] of all nations of the world. … The difference of the inner quality, however, is so great that the bodies should be considered as completely different species. This is the reason why the Talmud states that there is an halachic difference in attitude about the bodies of non-Jews: "their bodies are in vain." … An even greater difference exists in regard to the soul. Two contrary types of soul exist, a non-Jewish soul comes from three satanic spheres, while the Jewish soul stems from holiness. … A Jew was not created as a means for some [other] purpose; he himself is the purpose, since the substance of all [divine] emanations was created only to serve the Jews. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" &lbrack;Genesis 1:1&rbrack; means that [the heavens and the earth] were created for the sake of the Jews, who are called the "beginning."
 * As cited in Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel, Israel Shahak and Norton Mezvinsky, Pluto Press (1999), pp. 59–60. ISBN: 0-7453-2091-0.

Other quotes

 * If you see what needs to be repaired and how to repair it, then you have found a piece of the world that G-d has left for you to perfect.
 * Likutei Sichot vol. 10, Noah 2


 * It's the small acts that you do on a daily basis that turn two people from a 'you and I' into an 'us.'
 * As quoted by Joseph Telushkin


 * God gave each of us a soul, which is a candle that He gives us to illuminate our surroundings with His light. We must not only illuminate the inside of homes, but also the outside, and the world at large.
 * As quoted by Joseph Telushkin


 * Education, in general, should not be limited to the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for a career or in common parlance, "to make a better living." We must think in terms of a "better life," not only for the individual, but also for society as a whole. The educational system must, therefore, pay more attention, indeed the main attention, to the building of character, with emphasis on moral and ethical values.
 * Endorsement of President Jimmy Carter's Education Program


 * Activism on behalf of the ways of Chassidus means that even when a Chassid is in the marketplace, deeply involved in his business, he still thinks about what he can do for Chassidic concerns and the welfare of Chassidim. Activism on behalf of the ways of Chassidus is a personal obligation, regardless whether one is great or limited in knowledge of Chassidus.
 * Hayom Yom, 21 Av


 * Moshiach is ready to come now, we all must only do something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness.
 * In response to CNN reporter

Quotes about Menachem Mendel Schneerson

 * During the subsequent three decades of his life until his death, Rabbi Schneerson remained consistent; he did not change any of the opinions. What Rabbi Scheerson taught either was or immediately became official, Lubovitch, Hassidic belief.
 * Israel Shahak and Norton Mezvinsky: Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel, Pluto Press (1999), p. 59. ISBN: 0-7453-2091-0.