Bill to Preserve the Legacy of Lubavitcher Rebbe Approved in Knesset Preliminary Reading

JERUSALEM – In a significant move to honor the legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the Chabad movement, the Knesset has approved a bill in its preliminary reading. The bill, which was supported by 23 members of the Knesset without any opposition or abstentions, will now be forwarded to the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee for further discussion.

The proposed bill outlines the creation of a dedicated center to preserve and promote Rabbi Schneerson’s extraordinary contributions to both Jewish communities and the wider world. This center will serve as a focal point for educating future generations about the Rebbe’s far-reaching influence. Rabbi Schneerson, who led the Chabad Lubavitch movement, is known for his global outreach and dedication to spreading Jewish teachings, making his mark not only within the Jewish community but also with non-Jews worldwide.

The center will include a research institute, an archive, and a museum. These elements will collectively focus on the Rebbe’s leadership, his work in bridging gaps between different Jewish communities, and his teachings on bringing humanity closer through the universal values of love, peace, and justice. The bill also proposes that the center will be supported through a combination of state funding, private donations, and other sources of revenue, with the Minister of Heritage overseeing its operations.

The explanatory note for the bill highlights Rabbi Schneerson’s vision for the Jewish people and their relationship with the world. He believed deeply in the importance of integrating Jewish teachings with modern knowledge and science, and his leadership extended beyond religious boundaries, impacting many sectors of society. Rabbi Schneerson’s establishment of the global network of Chabad emissaries (shluchim), who are actively involved in outreach efforts worldwide, serves as one of his most enduring legacies. These emissaries have brought Jewish education, community services, and assistance to Jews and non-Jews alike, providing humanitarian aid and fostering positive interfaith relations across the globe.

The bill also emphasizes that the center will be a place where the unique values of Chabad will be passed down to future generations. These values include a deep commitment to Judaism, the Land of Israel, and the Jewish people, along with the idea of “Ahavat Yisrael” (love for all Jews), which is central to Chabad’s mission. The proposed center will allow visitors to engage with the Rebbe’s work through multimedia exhibits, educational programs, and scholarly research, further solidifying the importance of his message in today’s world.

In light of the ongoing influence of Chabad’s global network, the center’s establishment is seen as a way to ensure that Rabbi Schneerson’s ideals continue to guide future generations and inspire Jews worldwide to contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate society.

This move has been praised by many across the political spectrum, with lawmakers and religious leaders alike hailing the bill as a fitting tribute to the Rebbe’s lasting impact on Jewish life and beyond. The bill’s passage is expected to foster further dialogue about the importance of preserving the memory of Jewish leaders whose work transcends generations.