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.

The Rebbe leads the Evening Services on the fourth Yahrzeit of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson.

Mrs. Esther Sternberg is the director of the Shabbos Candle Campaign, a division of the Lubavitch Women's Organization. She was involved in the medical care of the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, until the Rebbetzin’s passing in 1988. While the Rebbe was still sitting Shiva, the Shabbos Candle Campaign announced a new fund in honor of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. They didn’t inform the Rebbe of the new campaign, but once the Shiva was over, the Rebbe called her and her father to his home on President Street.

The Rebbe leads morning prayers on the fourth yahrzeit of his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka

At a wedding, we hear it said that a marriage is “an everlasting edifice.” This holds true even in the face of a tragedy which seems to contradict it.

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

The Rebbe founded a fund to help institutions that are named after the Rebbetzin. During the distribution of “Dollars”, the Rebbe announces that requests for funding should be made to the fund, and that these institutions must be legitimate, with a confirmation from the local rabbinate or the Rebbe’s secretariat.