Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Abstract Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994) was the seventh and final Rebbe (or grand master) of the Chabad sect of Hassidism. This chapter examines his attitude to the election of Israel. Like Rabbi Kook before him, Rabbi Schneerson manages to coopt the entire mystical tradition into battle against xenophobia and racism. Unlike Rabbi Kook’s attempt, the Rebbe’s theory doesn’t collapse into incoherence, because his monism is less radical than Rabbi Kook’s. Moreover, his theory of the election manages to weave together Maimonidean themes with the Marriage Model, and with the Two-Track Model of the election. But questions remain, despite his obvious efforts, as to the extensiveness and success of his eradication of xenophobia and supremacism from the traditions to which he adhered.