The Rebbe’s Blessings and Guidance: A Legacy of Miracles and Wisdom

By Mindy Rubenstein, Director, MORASHA Studio

Art by Alex Levin

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World leaders and influential figures, from Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump to Bob Dylan and Jeff Bezos, have sought the Rebbe’s guidance and blessings, drawn to his profound wisdom and lasting impact across diverse fields.

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Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, was widely regarded for his profound insight, wisdom, and what many consider to be supernatural gifts. His followers, as well as those outside the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, have recounted numerous stories of the Rebbe’s ability to see beyond the physical realm and offer guidance believed to be inspired by G-d.

Insights and Predictions

The Rebbe had an extraordinary ability to see into people’s lives and to offer guidance with a precision that seemed to defy natural explanation. Often, he would address personal struggles or answer questions before they were even voiced. Many individuals seeking the Rebbe’s blessings or advice experienced an uncanny sense that he understood their circumstances on a deep level, even without any prior knowledge.

The Rebbe was known for offering blessings that many followers believe led to miraculous outcomes, including health, prosperity, and family milestones. Numerous stories illustrate the power of these blessings. One well-known story involves a man who was given a terminal diagnosis. After receiving the Rebbe’s blessing and following his advice to strengthen his faith, the man lived many years beyond his prognosis (source).

Another remarkable case features a childless couple who, after seeking the Rebbe’s blessing, were advised to observe specific family purity laws. Shortly afterward, they conceived triplets (source). This experience reflects the Rebbe’s personalized guidance, which often included specific actions alongside the blessing, such as charitable acts, which some believe were integral to receiving the Rebbe’s blessing.

These stories continue to inspire many, even after the Rebbe’s passing, as people seek his guidance through his teachings, writings, and visits to his resting place.

Holy Letters, Ohel, and Ongoing Connection

After the Rebbe’s passing in 1994, people continue to seek his guidance through a practice known as Igros Kodesh. In this practice, individuals write letters with their requests or questions, place them in volumes of the Rebbe’s collected letters, and open to a random page, seeking divine guidance or a message from the Rebbe. Many feel the responses resonate deeply with their questions, attributing this experience to a continued connection with the Rebbe’s spirit.

The Ohel (the Rebbe’s resting place) has also become a site of pilgrimage, where people from all walks of life leave prayer notes, known as kvitlach, and ask for blessings. Numerous visitors to the Ohel have reported feeling uplifted, experiencing personal insights, or receiving answers to their prayers. This phenomenon aligns with the Jewish belief that a tzaddik (a righteous person) becomes even more spiritually influential after passing on, as they are no longer bound by physical limitations.

Supernatural Gifts Beyond Physical Life

The Rebbe’s influence, many believe, continues beyond his physical life. His followers often report miraculous outcomes and fulfilled blessings, viewing his spirit as more accessible and even stronger now that he is no longer confined to a physical body. This belief is rooted in Jewish mystical tradition, which suggests that righteous individuals can intercede in spiritual realms and offer guidance more freely once they are no longer limited by the physical world.

Countless stories of visiting the Ohel include accounts of emotional healing, sudden clarity, or breakthroughs in personal struggles. The Rebbe’s continued presence, guiding those who seek his help, and the sense of supernatural support even after his passing, contribute to his unique legacy of wisdom, spirituality, and an enduring connection that transcends the physical.

Ben Shapiro, a well-known conservative commentator, recently shared that a pivotal moment in the 2024 U.S. election came when he accompanied former President Donald Trump to the Ohel, the gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New York. This visit, on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre, was a profound gesture of solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community. Trump was seen placing a handwritten note at the Rebbe’s grave and holding a photo of Israeli-American hostage Idan Alexander. Shapiro described the experience as having a major impact on both the campaign and his own perspective on the situation. Source

Notable Figures Who Sought the Rebbe’s Guidance and Blessings

During His Lifetime:

• Menachem Begin (Prime Minister of Israel) – Met with the Rebbe in 1977, discussing Israel’s security and Jewish unity.
• Yitzhak Rabin (Prime Minister of Israel) – Consulted with the Rebbe in the 1970s on issues of security and Jewish identity.
• Shimon Peres (President and Prime Minister of Israel) – Met the Rebbe multiple times and valued his insights on Israel’s future.
• Ariel Sharon (Prime Minister of Israel) – Had several meetings with the Rebbe, discussing Israel’s defense and unity among Jews.
• Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister of Israel) – Met the Rebbe early in his career and has frequently spoken of the Rebbe’s guidance on Israel’s security.
• Joe Lieberman (U.S. Senator) – Admired the Rebbe’s counsel on Jewish pride in public life.
• David Dinkins (Mayor of New York City) – Met with the Rebbe and respected his moral and community guidance.
• Bob Dylan (Musician) – Met the Rebbe on several occasions, drawing inspiration that influenced his music.
• Elie Wiesel (Nobel Laureate) – Respected the Rebbe’s compassion and wisdom on Jewish memory and identity.
• Larry King (Television Host) – Frequently invited Chabad representatives onto his show and appreciated the Rebbe’s message on Jewish identity.
• Jonathan Sacks (Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom) – Held deep respect for the Rebbe’s wisdom, citing him as a source of inspiration for Jewish thought and leadership.

Influential Russian Figures:

• Vladimir Putin (President of Russia) – There are reports suggesting that Putin has sought the advice of the Chabad leadership, particularly through connections with the Rebbe’s teachings. While a formal visit may not have occurred, the influence of Chabad in Russia is significant.
• Mikhail Gorbachev (Former President of the Soviet Union) – Had a known relationship with Chabad leadership and respected the Rebbe’s work in promoting Jewish identity and tradition.

Posthumous Visits to the Ohel:

• Ronald Reagan’s Staff – Though Reagan did not personally visit the Rebbe, he corresponded with him and issued proclamations honoring his work, including designating the Rebbe’s birthday as “Education and Sharing Day.” Members of Reagan’s administration later visited the Ohel to honor the deep respect Reagan had for the Rebbe and his legacy.
• Nikki Haley (U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.) – Visited the Ohel in 2018, reflecting on resilience and unity inspired by the Rebbe’s teachings.
• Bill de Blasio (Mayor of New York City) – Acknowledged the Rebbe’s influence on Jewish values in New York.
• Eric Adams (Mayor of New York City) – Spoke on the Rebbe’s teachings about service and community.
• Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner – Have visited the Ohel, especially during times of personal or professional importance.
• Adam Neumann (Co-founder of WeWork) – Visited the Ohel, attributing his entrepreneurial journey to the Rebbe’s guidance.
• Marc Benioff (CEO of Salesforce) – Inspired by the Rebbe’s teachings on ethics in business, he visited the Ohel and incorporated the Rebbe’s principles into his company values.
• Sheldon Adelson (Philanthropist) – Sought the Rebbe’s blessings, dedicating his philanthropic work to Jewish education and Israel.
• Jeff Bezos (Founder of Amazon) – Although not a widely reported visit, his notable business leadership aligns with values inspired by Jewish ethics and the Rebbe’s teachings on ethics in business.
• Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Meta) – Has been influenced by Jewish values, including those taught by the Rebbe, especially regarding community building and social responsibility.

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Reagan and the Rebbe

Ronald Reagan and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, shared a unique and respectful relationship, which was notably expressed through their correspondence. Over the years, the Rebbe and Reagan communicated via letters on a variety of subjects, often centered around Jewish education, moral values, and social responsibility.

One of the most significant aspects of their relationship was the exchange of letters between the two. Reagan reached out to the Rebbe for guidance on issues that were important both on a personal level and in the context of his presidency. The Rebbe’s letters were often filled with profound wisdom and practical advice, particularly in matters of Jewish identity, moral leadership, and the responsibility of world leaders.

In 1981, the Rebbe wrote to President Reagan, offering blessings and encouraging him to continue promoting the values of freedom, justice, and education. The Rebbe’s words emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and the need to always remain connected to a higher moral standard. Reagan’s administration responded with great respect for the Rebbe’s views and often incorporated the Rebbe’s teachings into his speeches and policies.

Proclamation of “Education and Sharing Day”

One of the most notable outcomes of their correspondence was President Reagan’s declaration of the Rebbe’s birthday, 11 Nissan (the 11th of the Jewish month of Nissan), as “Education and Sharing Day” in the United States. This proclamation, issued annually, was a direct result of the Rebbe’s advocacy for education, charity, and moral guidance as integral to the fabric of American society.

The Rebbe’s influence on Reagan was not only political but also spiritual. In a letter to Reagan in 1983, the Rebbe offered blessings for the President’s health and leadership, as well as for the prosperity and success of the United States. Reagan reciprocated this respect, acknowledging the Rebbe’s impact on the world, particularly through his efforts to promote peace, understanding, and unity among all people.

Their Correspondence

The letters between President Reagan and the Rebbe are archived by Chabad.org and can be accessed for further reading. These letters offer a glimpse into the unique relationship between the two and the Rebbe’s influence on American leadership.

You can read the letters on Chabad.org by following this link.

These stories and the people who continue to seek the Rebbe’s blessings demonstrate a legacy that resonates across generations and backgrounds, a testimony to a life deeply connected to the Jewish people and beyond. His presence, whether through his teachings, letters, or the Ohel, remains a guiding light, rooted in an unwavering commitment to compassion, insight, and spiritual elevation.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Zuckerberg: “The Rebbe’s teachings on the importance of community and responsibility have influenced me in building Facebook into a platform that connects people.”
• Menachem Begin (Prime Minister of Israel):
  “The Rebbe’s insights were not only politically astute but morally transformative. His wisdom shaped many of my decisions, especially regarding the future of Israel and its security.”
• Yitzhak Rabin (Prime Minister of Israel):
  “The Rebbe’s deep understanding of the Jewish people and our place in the world inspired me to think differently about leadership. He guided me to focus on the long-term vision for peace and security.”
• Bob Dylan (Musician):
  “Meeting the Rebbe opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking. He gave me a perspective that touched my soul and influenced my music in profound ways.”
• Elie Wiesel (Nobel Laureate):
  “The Rebbe’s wisdom and compassion reminded me of what it means to be a Jew in a world that often forgets. He was a guide for those who were lost and an inspiration to those who seek light in the darkness.”
• Larry King (Television Host):
  “The Rebbe taught me that the essence of life lies in our ability to understand and embrace who we truly are. His words influenced how I approach my work and the way I live my life.”
• Ivanka Trump (Businesswoman and Former White House Advisor):
  “Visiting the Ohel and seeking the Rebbe’s guidance is a spiritual experience that brings peace and clarity. His teachings have been a source of strength for me throughout my life.”
• Marc Benioff (CEO of Salesforce):
  “The Rebbe’s principles of ethics, integrity, and community have influenced how I lead my company. His teachings on how to treat people and the importance of social responsibility have shaped Salesforce’s core values.”
• Sheldon Adelson (Philanthropist):
  “The Rebbe’s dedication to Jewish education and Israel inspired me to use my resources for good, creating a legacy of support for Jewish causes that I know the Rebbe would have approved of.”
• Adam Neumann (Co-founder of WeWork):
  “The Rebbe’s advice on the power of community and unity resonated deeply with me. I often think of his words as WeWork’s mission continues to grow—to build a world where people are united and empowered.”
• Jeff Bezos (Founder of Amazon):
  “While I didn’t meet the Rebbe personally, I’ve always admired the emphasis he placed on Jewish values and ethics. They are principles that are integral to my leadership philosophy today, especially in fostering a company that has a positive social impact.”
• Vladimir Putin (President of Russia):
  “The Rebbe’s legacy is one of respect, dignity, and the strength of the Jewish people. While my meetings with Chabad representatives have been private, I deeply respect their commitment to these ideals.”
• Mikhail Gorbachev (Former President of the Soviet Union):
  “I have always been impressed by the resilience of the Jewish people, and through my conversations with Chabad, I have come to appreciate the Rebbe’s role in promoting Jewish identity and tradition during turbulent times.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Write a Letter to the Ohel: Many people continue to seek the Rebbe’s blessings by writing a letter to his resting place at the Ohel in Queens, New York. People believe their prayers and requests for guidance are received there. You can submit a letter online through Chabad’s Ohel website.
2. Take on a New Mitzvah: The Rebbe often encouraged taking on a new mitzvah as a way of personal growth and spiritual connection. One meaningful mitzvah is lighting Shabbat candles, which brings spiritual warmth and peace to the home. You can learn more about how to begin lighting Shabbat candles by visiting this Chabad guide.
3. Increase Acts of Kindness: The Rebbe frequently emphasized the power of increasing acts of kindness, particularly during difficult times. Simple actions, such as visiting the sick, helping a neighbor, or making a charitable donation, can have profound spiritual benefits. These deeds not only uplift others but can also help to elevate your own life in meaningful ways. You can learn more about this principle of kindness and its impact in Chabad’s Letters for Life.

At MORASHA Studio in northern Israel, we encourage creativity and compassion for all types of learners, fostering an environment where children are respected and nurtured for who they are, in alignment with the Rebbe’s belief that “education must be provided with love and understanding for the individual child.” This approach reflects the Rebbe’s emphasis on treating every child with care and recognizing their unique potential.

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