Video Presentation of the Rebbetzin's Life

On the 22nd of Shevat in 1988, the Rebbe's wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, passed away. The Rebbetzin was extremely modest, so not much is known about her life and little footage exists to allow for a comprehensive biography. This presentation, comprised of the Rebbe's own words following her passing, and first-hand accounts from people who merited to have met her, gives us a peek into the modest loyalty and sacrifice that the Rebbetzin showed. She stood unwavering at her husband's side, and by extension, dedicated her life to the Rebbe's thousands of followers around the world.

Attorney Nathan Lewin was one of Chabad’s main lawyers in the federal court case over ownership of the Previous Rebbe’s library. He tells the events which led up to the case, and the vital roles of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin in that court victory (1985 – 1987).

Mrs. Hadassa Carlebach is a relative of the Rebbetzin. Here she recalls some memories of her visits to the Rebbetzin.

Mrs. Leah Kahan is a relative of the Rebbetzin. Here she recalls some memories of her visits to the Rebbetzin.

Rabbi Shmuel Lew’s father-in-law, Zalmon Jaffe, would visit the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home in Brooklyn, New York. As a result, Rabbi Lew had the privilege of visiting the home as well.

On Shemini Atzeres 1977, after the Rebbe suffered a massive heart attack, Dr. Ira Weiss flew in from Chicago to join the medical team treating the Rebbe. Subsequently, he became the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s cardiologist.

Mrs. Danièle Gorlin Lassner’s parents and grandparents knew the Rebbe and Rebbetzin from Europe. On this occasion in 1987, she accompanied her parents to visit the Rebbetzin.

Mrs. Fruma Junik’s husband, Rabbi Berel Junik, was a member of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s household in New York. In 1953, the Rebbetzin traveled to Europe.

Mrs. Louise Hager was fourteen years old when she first met Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, and was from then on drawn ever closer.

Louise Hager shares personal memories of her unique relationship with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of her passing.

Near the park, we were forced to detour via a parallel street. At the next traffic light, the Rebbetzin said to me: “I heard a woman screaming. Can you go back and see what that was about?”

Eliot Sovronsky is a videographer who was commissioned to film the Rebbe’s farbrengens in the 1970s. He was very pleased to hear that the Rebbe appreciated his concern for the Rebbetzin, the Rebbe’s wife, to be able to view the farbrengens on video.

Dr. Alan Newmark merited to attend to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushkah, the wife of the Rebbe. In this clip, he recalls and shares some of the most memorable conversations that he had with the Rebbetzin, illustrating her sensitivity and care. (1980s)

Rabbi Sholom Ber Levine shares the account of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s departure from Paris, as told to him by the Rebbetzin herself.

A relative of the Rebbe’s family, Shem Rokeach describes the warm friendship his mother and grandmother enjoyed with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, and recalls a time when the friendship helped save his mother’s life. (1970's)