Shneur Zalman of Liadi
Founder of Chabad Hasidism, author of Tanya, with teachings on Jewish and non-Jewish souls sparking supremacy debates
| Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi | |
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| Born | 15 September 1745 Liozna, Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth |
| Died | 27 December 1812 Peny, Russian Empire |
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| Occupation | Rabbi, mystic, philosopher, halachist |
| Known for | Founding Chabad Hasidism, authoring Tanya |
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'Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (Hebrew: שניאור זלמן מליאדי; 15 September 1745 – 27 December 1812), known as the Alter Rebbe or Baal HaTanya, was a rabbi, mystic, and the founder of the Chabad movement, a branch of Hasidism.[1][2]
He authored the foundational text Tanya (Likkutei Amarim), which systematises Hasidic philosophy with Kabbalistic and rational elements, serving as a practical guide for Jewish spiritual life.[1]
Biography
Born in Liozna to a scholarly family, Schneur Zalman studied extensively under prominent rabbis before becoming a disciple of Dov Ber of Mezeritch. He established his court in Liadi and emphasised intellectual understanding (Chochmah, Binah, Da'at) in Hasidic practice.[1]
He faced opposition from Misnagdim, was imprisoned by Russian authorities in 1798 on false charges, and was released on 19 Kislev, a date celebrated by Chabad.[1]
Works
His major works include Tanya, Shulchan Aruch HaRav (a code of Jewish law), and various discourses collected in Torah Or and Likutei Torah.[1]
Teachings on Jewish and Non-Jewish Souls
In Chapter 1 of Likutei Amarim (Tanya), Schneur Zalman teaches that Jewish souls derive from the realm of holiness, containing a divine spark, while "the souls of the nations of the world... emanate from the other, unclean kelipot which contain no good whatsoever."[3]
This Lurianic Kabbalah-derived distinction has been interpreted by critics as promoting spiritual supremacy or metaphysical racism toward non-Jews.[4][5]
Controversy on Jewish Supremacism
The Tanya's soul doctrine has drawn accusations of fostering Jewish supremacism, with some viewing it as morally objectionable or racist due to the hierarchical distinction between Jewish and gentile souls.[5][4]
Defenders argue it reflects mystical cosmology rather than empirical racism, applies to historical idolaters, and does not negate non-Jews' moral capacity or Chabad's promotion of the Seven Noahide Laws for gentiles.[2][4]
Schneur Zalman himself lived under persecution and his teachings emphasise ethical conduct and divine service.[1]
Legacy
Schneur Zalman profoundly influenced Hasidism through Chabad, which became a global movement. His descendants and successors continued his intellectual-mystical approach.[1]
See also
External links
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Chabad.org, The Alter Rebbe Chabad.org, accessed June 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Yitzchak Balk, The Soul of a Jew and the Soul of a Non-Jew Hakirah, accessed June 2026.
- ↑ Chabad.org, Chapter 1 Chabad.org, accessed June 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Merrimack Valley Havurah, The Tanya’s view of non-Jewish people Merrimack Valley Havurah, 7 November 2022.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 VIN News, British Shul Bans 'Tanya' Saying It's A Racist Sefer VIN News, 23 October 2008.