22nd Shvat - Passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (Moussia) Schneersohn (1901-1988)

Wife of The Rebbe Menachem Mendle Schneersohn seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe and Daughter of the Sixth Lubavicher Rebbe Rabbi Yossef Yitzchak Schneerson.
Before her passing, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka asked for a glass of water. After reciting the blessing, "...by Whose word all things come into being," she returned her soul to her Maker.

The Rebbe pointed out that Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, his grandmother, Rebbetzin Rivka, his mother, Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah, and his daughter, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka all passed away in Shevat.

A special and wise woman, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka carried the mantle of her exalted position in a most humble and unpretentious fashion. All her life was based on the psalm, "The entire honor of a king's daughter is within." When calling the Rebbe's office at "770," or calling a high school girl ill in her dormitory, she always referred to herself simply as: "Mrs. Schneerson from President Street."

The Rebbetzin was a gentle and courteous lady. She saw her role as one wholly devoted to the work of her husband. Even when relaying the advice to those seeking his guidance through her, she would repeat what he said word by word, making sure that it was understood exactly as the Rebbe intended.

Once, the Lubavitch Women's Organization sent her a bouquet of flowers, together with a list of individuals for whom blessings were requested. Setting aside the flowers for the Rebbetzin, the secretary passed on the letter to the Rebbe who, observing that it was addressed to his wife, asked his secretary to give it to her, saying, "She too is capable of giving blessings."

The Rebbe once commented to a friend of the Rebbetzin, "You have a good lawyer on your side…"

This was particularly evident during a very crucial time in recent Lubavitch history, during the legal proceedings to establish the ownership of the books in the Lubavitch library. When the defendant's attorney asked her: "To whom did the books belong?" the Rebbetzin famously answered: "My father himself, and everything he had, including the books, belong to the Chasidim."