Living Torah Archives

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.

A collage of videos related to the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson. (Collage)

Devora Caytak heads the Jewish Youth Library in Ottawa, Canada. In 1978, after making her way back to Judaism, she was a seminary student at Machon Chana in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. Feeling alone, she and her friends decided to write a letter to the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. The Rebbetzin’s surprising response is a lesson that Devorah has implemented in her own life until this day.

A special presentation highlighting the greatness and modesty of the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson.

It would be appropriate to perform good deeds in memory of the Rebbetzin. Her first name was Chaya, meaning “life.” That applies even after the life of the person, until the Resurrection. I hope it will be very soon.

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)

Louise Hager, who developed a close relationship with the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, recalls speaking about her for the first time in public, and relates some important lessons the Rebbetzin taught her. (1991)

Reb Chonye Morosow served as a personal secretary to the fifth and sixth Lubavitcher Rebbes in Russia. His son, Reb Mendel, was born in 1916, and recalls two episodes in the Rebbes’ homes.

On the eve of the first Yahrzeit of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of blessed memory, the Rebbe distributes dollars at his home on President Street.

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 the Rebbe's wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. Over the years, she developed a close relationship with the Rebbetzin.

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.

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).

Funeral of the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, of righteous memory.

“Thank you to those who have begun new projects and institutions in the Rebbetzin’s memory…The Rebbetzin was educated by her father, the Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. She merited that many Jewish girls carry her name and are educated in her spirit and by her example.”