From his youth it was known that Rabbi Schneur Zalmen of Liadi was destined for greatness. He had the combination of deep comprehension, a breadth of knowledge in both the written and oral Torah, as well as amazing leadership abilities. This Thursday, the 24^th of Tevet, marks 199 years since his passing.

At the age of eight he wrote his own commentary on the Torah, weaving together interpretations of Rashi, Nachmanides and Ibn Ezra. When he grew a bit older, he delivered a lecture on astronomy in the light of Torah, which many great scholars attended and were astounded at his wisdom. He also used to gather around him young children whose parents could not afford to send them to school, would feed them meals and snacks, and teach them Torah and the ways of Judaism.

We tend to relate suspiciously to child prodigies. In some cases the wonder fades as they grow older, or they remain prodigies but never grow up. In the case of Rabbi Schneur Zalmen, however, as the years progressed his gifts became more and more evident: his broad-ranging knowledge of Torah,  his leadership abilities, his profound philosophical insights.

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During his 72 years of life, Rabbi Schneur Zalmen left his mark on the Jewish world. He founded the Chabad Chassidic movement, which to this day inspires hundreds of thousands of Jews and continuously attracts new followers. His many written works are the cornerstone of any Jewish home library. Most well-known of these is the Tanya, his seminal work of Chabad Chassidic philosophy, which teaches us about the Jewish soul, the mitzvot of love and fear of G-d, and how to contend with our personal spiritual challenges. He also wrote the Shulchan Aruch Harav, a clear and concise compilation of Jewish law, with sources and explanations.

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen also left a strong imprint outside of the Jewish community. He was arrested by the Czar on charges of treason, due to financial support he sent to Jews in Israel, which was then under control of the Ottomans who were at war with Russia. However, he had the opportunity to meet the Czar and successfully refute all the charges against him in debate. Late in his life he gave key support to the Russian government in its war against Napoleon.

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen’s descendents are called by his name – Schneersohn. One of the most famous is the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the seventh Rebbe in the Chabad Chassidic dynasty, who inherited many of Rabbi Schneur Zalmen’s outstanding characteristics.

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The Jewish people has been fortunate to have many great leaders over the generations. Most of them were outstanding in one specific area or another, but very few were so well-rounded that they shone in multiple fields.

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen was one of those rare leaders – a giant in so many different areas. He was born in a unique time in history, a time ripe for the founding of a new Chassidic movement, the teachings of which would pave the way for the Torah of Moshiach. He had a keen sense not just for the spiritual needs but also the physical needs of his people, and his message resonates to this day.

In our generation, we have merited similar outstanding leadership from the Rebbe, who continues the path forged by his great-great-grandfather. With the power of Chassidic teachings we will move forward to greet Moshiach.