Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson – The Hidden Light Behind the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson was born on the 25th of Adar, 1901, in the town of Babinovitch near Lubavitch, to Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, and his wife Rebbetzin Nechama Dina. She was named Chaya Mushka after the wife of the Tzemach Tzedek (the third Lubavitcher Rebbe), carrying on a lineage of spiritual grace and wisdom.

Marriage and the Turbulent Years in Europe

In 1928, Chaya Mushka married Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in Warsaw, Poland. Shortly afterward, the couple moved to Berlin, Germany. When the Nazis rose to power, they fled to Paris, where they lived until World War II reached France. In 1941, after the Nazi occupation of Paris, the couple managed to escape to the United States, arriving safely after a perilous journey.

Life in America: The Crown Heights Years

Upon arriving in New York, the couple joined her father, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. After the passing of her father in 1950, her husband, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, became the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The Rebbetzin thus became the wife of a leader whose influence reached millions. Yet, despite her position at the heart of the Chabad world, she remained an enigma — a woman of deep humility, intellect, and quiet strength.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka

A Life of Privacy and Profound Wisdom

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka was known for her deep intelligence, refined character, and extraordinary modesty. Though she could have easily enjoyed public honor and admiration, she chose a life of privacy.

Many times, the women of Chabad asked her to appear at gatherings, lead educational programs, or serve as honorary chairwoman of events — but she always declined, preferring to live entirely behind the scenes.

She was fluent in seven languages and possessed remarkable insight — both in matters of Torah and in worldly affairs. Those close to her described her as having a quick, penetrating understanding, a sharp yet gentle sense of humor, and a gracious personality. Although she had strong opinions on many subjects, whenever she learned that her husband, the Rebbe, had expressed a view on the same issue, she would immediately submit her own opinion and accept his completely, with full humility and devotion.

Mutual Respect and Deep Connection with the Rebbe

Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov and Rabbi Chesed Halberstam — who managed the Rebbe’s household for 18 years, recalled the extraordinary mutual respect between the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin. No matter how late the Rebbe returned home, she would patiently wait for him. And regardless of the hour, the Rebbe would sit with her, share his thoughts, and speak with warmth and attentiveness.

Rabbi Halberstam recounted that, from what he overheard, the Rebbe would often consult with her on important matters, valuing her judgment and perspective.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe at Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka's funeral

A Woman of Truth, Compassion, and Spiritual Power

Like her husband, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka could not tolerate anything false, cynical, or disrespectful toward others. She was unwaveringly devoted to truth and goodness and radiated boundless warmth and love toward every person, regardless of background or status.

Her spiritual greatness was evident in moments of urgency. When people called the Rebbe’s home during times of distress — especially during the few hours when the Rebbe was resting, the Rebbetzin herself would take responsibility and assist however she could.

On one occasion, members of the Chabad women’s organization sent her a birthday bouquet accompanied by a list of names needing blessings. When Rabbi Halberstam handed the list to the Rebbe, he noticed the Rebbetzin’s name written on it and asked why the list wasn’t given to her. Upon learning that it contained names of people seeking blessings, the Rebbe said earnestly: “She too can bless them.”

Her Passing and Legacy

On the 22nd of Shevat, 1988, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson passed away at Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan after a short illness. She was laid to rest at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York, near her parents — and later beside her husband, the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Her passing left a deep void among Chabad followers around the world, but her legacy of humility, quiet strength, and spiritual grace continues to inspire countless women and men alike.

Since her passing, hundreds of institutions worldwide, including schools, women’s centers, and programs for Torah and Jewish education, have been established in her memory, proudly bearing her name: “Beit Chaya Mushka.”