Tonight is the yarzheit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushkah Schneerson (b. 1901), wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbetzin passed away on the 22nd of Shevat of the year 5748 (1988).
In 1950, upon the passing of her father, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, leadership of the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement passed to Chaya Mushka's husband, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory. Despite the Rebbe's initial adamant refusal to accept the mantle, it was his wife, the Rebbetzin, who, notwithstanding the great personal sacrifice this would entail, finally prevailed upon him to accept the position with all its public and private hardships.
She was steadfast: It is simply unthinkable that her father's thirty years of total self-sacrifice and accomplishment should, G-d forbid, come to naught.
An erudite and wise woman, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka carried the mantle of her revered and exalted position in a most humble and unpretentious fashion. All her life she fulfilled the ideal of the psalmist: "The entire honor of a king's daughter is within." When calling the Rebbe's office at "770," or calling for a high school girl ill in her dormitory, she always referred to herself simply as: "Mrs. Schneerson from President Street."
Gentle and courteous to everyone, the Rebbetzin saw her role as one wholly devoted to the work of her husband. Even when she relayed advice to those seeking his guidance through her, she would repeat his wording with precision, making sure that it was understood exactly as the Rebbe intended.
 |
| Painting of Chaya Mushka by Cindy Michael |
Despite her modesty, the Rebbe would admonish people who came to him for advice after seeing the Rebetzin, saying that she was as qualified as he to give advice and they should ask her. A True Tzidkanit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting of the Rebbetzin by Cindy Michael.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have seen the original and there is, without a doubt, a shirt under the Rebbetzin's blazer.
Through all the digital processes, the shirt is harder to see- albeit definitely there.
The Rebbettzin was the most tznius woman found so this would be not very respectful to her neshama.
The mistake is understandable being that the shirt is not very visible in the pictures.
Please fix it so the beautiful painting will be absolutely GORGEOUS!
Thank you!
May we have Moshiach now!