Lubavitch of Wisconsin: Wisconsin joins to commemorate rich legacy of Lubavitcher Rebbe for the 20th anniversary of his passing

Media Contact:
Name: Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin
Title: Executive President
Phone: 414-961-6100
Email address: ris@chabadwi.org

Rebbe’s Leadership and Growth of Chabad Movement is Testament to His Life’s Achievements


Milwaukee, WI, June 4, 2014 – Hundreds of people from all walks of life will gather to observe the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, OBM. The central event in Milwaukee will be a Gimmel Tammuz Presentation to be held on Wedneday, June 25, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Todd Wehr Theater of the Marcus Center for the Preforming Arts.

One of the greatest spiritual leaders of the past century, the scholarly and visionary leader was consulted by prime ministers and celebrities, Jews and non-Jews from all walks of life, who came to his modest Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, seeking counsel on issues ranging from personal dilemmas to international affairs. Twenty years since his passing, Rabbi Schneerson’s legacy is as strong as ever, with a network of more than 3,330 Chabad institutions in 72 countries, including right here in Milwaukee.

“The Rebbe was one of the greatest giants of this past century, serving as an inspiration to countless numbers of people,” remarked Chabad Lubavitch Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin, Executive Director of Lubavitch of Wisconsin. “Wonder of wonders, a person passed away 20 years ago and yet every year more and more from within and without the Jewish community study his teachings, adopt his methods, and follow his guidance. It is befitting to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the Rebbe, OBM, on the anniversary of his passing, by reflecting on his powerful teachings — on spirituality, faith and ethics — and applying them to our daily lives.”

They will join hundreds of thousands across the globe in marking this anniversary in a myriad of ways including prayer, Torah study, spiritual outreach efforts, musical tributes and lectures. Jewish communities around the world will celebrate the Rebbe’s yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) in many other ways as well. Hundreds of “farbrengens,” formal and informal gatherings for reflection and resolution, and other community-wide events will dot the globe during the days leading up to and including the yahrtzeit.

Since 1977, when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the Rebbe’s birthday as “Education Day, U.S.A.,” the Rebbe’s message for better education for our youth, and the importance of instilling morality into American society, has been recognized each year by every succeeding president.

In 1995, shortly after his passing, the Rebbe was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by unanimous consent of Congress. Last year President Barack Obama hailed the Rebbe for having “dedicated his life to improving education and fostering goodwill for all people. His legacy continues to inspire individuals to carry forward his effort to build a brighter future.”

The Rebbe’s global vision and leadership have transformed the face of world Jewry.

Today there are permanent Chabad-Lubavitch institutions in 48 U.S. states and more than 80 countries across the globe, providing a host of educational, social and religious services. For more information about the Rebbe, his legacy and anniversary of his passing, visit www.ChabadWI.org/Rebbe.

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About Lubavitch
Chabad Lubavitch today, is the largest and most dynamic unified religious, educational and social force in the Jewish world. The movement boasts more than three thousand branches in nearly fifty countries on six continents. Nearly a million Jewish children are touched via our schools, institutions, summer camps and extracurricular programs around the world each year. Our centers everywhere serve the needs of all Jews, no matter their level of knowledge, observance or affiliation. For more information visit www.chabadwi.org.

Lubavitch of Wisconsin
Lubavitch of Wisconsin was founded in Milwaukee in 1968 and has synagogues in Milwaukee, Mequon, Bayside, Madison, Waukesha, Green Bay, and Kenosha, as well as on campus at UW-Milwaukee and UW-Madison. In addition it has pre-schools, day school, high school, and Hebrew schools as well as a multitude of community and social programs. Lubavitch of Wisconsin provides religious services, holiday and life cycle celebrations, and innovative educational programs for children and adults from all walks of life.