ר׳ שניאור זלמן מלאדי

ר׳ שניאור זלמן בן ר׳ ברוך (1745–1812), known as the Alter Rebbe and Baal HaTanya, founded Chabad Hasidism. Born in Liozna, he studied Talmud and halakhah before joining ר׳ דוב בער ממזריטש, who commissioned him to prepare a new halakhic code. After the Maggid’s death and the emigration of ר׳ מנחם מנדל מוויטבסק, he emerged as the leading Hasidic authority in White Russia. His ליקוטי אמרים–תניא systematized a theology and psychology of divine service centred on disciplined contemplation—חכמה, בינה, דעת—rather than dependence on the tsadik alone. Opponents denounced him to the Russian authorities; he was imprisoned in Saint Petersburg in 1798 and investigated again in 1800–1801. After release he established his court at Liadi. During Napoleon’s invasion he supported Russia and fled east with his household, dying at Pena before reaching safety; he was buried in Hadiach. His שולחן ערוך הרב, siddur, responsa and discourses established lasting Chabad approaches to halakhah, prayer and Hasidic thought.