30 Years Later, the Rebbe’s Legacy Continues

The Third of Tammuz — July 9th — will mark the 30th yahrtzeit — anniversary of passing — of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Honoring his yahrzeit, thousands are visiting the Rebbe’s resting place, known as “the Ohel” at the Old Montefiore Cemetery.  

During more than 40 years at the helm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the Rebbe dedicated himself to teaching, guiding and inspiring Jews and Jewish communities around the world. His oeuvre of letters, public talks recorded on video and hundreds of volumes of scholarship, is studied not only by Chabad Chasidim, but by Jews of all backgrounds seeking inspiration, counsel and spiritual wisdom.

The Rebbe’s legacy is celebrated by 5,000 Chabad-Lubavitch shluchim—emissaries—leaders of some 3,000 institutions serving Jewish communities in more than 100 countries on six continents.

Events marking the 30th yahrzeit have begun last week and will continue this week as well:

In Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, at an event hosted by Ontario’s Chabad centers, former Ambassador David Friedman spoke about his connection with the Rebbe and how that inspired him to advocate for Israel, while singing sensation Shulem Lemmer regaled the crowd with Chassidic music. 

In Minnetonka, Minnesota, at an event hosted by the state’s Chabad centers, hundreds heard from Rabbi Dov Greenberg, of Chabad at Stanford University, while Rabbi Yitzchok Wagner, of Krefeld, Germany, spoke at the Intown Chabad in Atlanta, GA. Both described their unique encounters and perspective on fighting antisemitism, and the inspiration the Rebbe has given them in bringing Jewish pride to places where hate has run rampant.

In White Plains, New York, Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Israel, will address hundreds at “A Close-Up Glimpse into the Life of the Rebbe,” an event hosted by the Chabad institutions of Westchester County, NY. 

In Victoria, B.C., Canada, acclaimed scholar Rabbi Mendel Kaplan spoke about the Rebbe’s Torah teachings and his care for every Jew. In Pensacola, FL, Chabad will display an art gallery portraying the relationship between the Rebbe and his followers, presented by Rabbi Shalom Hertzel of Chabad in the Golan Heights, Israel.

In Brighton Beach, New York, Chabad Neshama Center will host Rabbi Chaim Kaplan of Chabad of Northern Israel. The Safed-based rabbi will share the teachings and inspiration that guide his life as he leads a community under fire.

In cities and countries across the globe, thousands will gather, honoring a Jewish leader whose influence is stronger, more vibrant and more active today, thirty years after his passing.