Photo: Boris Schatz / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Public records list Shneur Zalman of Liadi as a philosopher, rabbi and composer. Born on September 15, 1745, Shneur Zalman of Liadi was from Liozna, Vitsyebsk Region, Belarus. Death is recorded on December 26, 1812, at the age of 67. Credited works include Niggun of Four Stanzas, Tanya and Shulchan Aruch HaRav.
My Take
Shneur Zalman of Liadi strikes me as a rare double genius of intellect and feeling. Born in 1745 Belarus, he founded Chabad and wrote enduring works like the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch HaRav that are still studied daily. But what captures me is that he also composed niggunim, wordless melodies meant to reach the soul where argument cannot. A thinker who speaks both to the mind and through music is doing something profound. That his ideas still actively guide a worldwide movement more than two centuries later tells me his synthesis of reason and devotion was built to last.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Shneur Zalman of Liadi
- Name (Japanese)
- シュネウル・ザルマン
- Reading
- しゅねうる・ざるまん
- Born
- September 15, 1745 – December 26, 1812
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Virgo / Ox
- Origin
- Liozna, Vitsyebsk Region, Belarus
- Occupation
- philosopher / rabbi / composer / Posek
2. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Niggun of Four Stanzas | — | |
| Notable work | Tanya | — | |
| Notable work | Shulchan Aruch HaRav | — | |
| Notable work | Likutei Torah/Torah Or | — | |
| Notable work | Siddur Im Dach | — | |
| Notable work | Tehillat Hashem | — |
3. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shneur%20Zalman%20of%20Liadi
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q547033
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Shneur Zalman of Liadi born?
Born September 15, 1745.
When did Shneur Zalman of Liadi die?
Died December 26, 1812, aged 67.
Where was Shneur Zalman of Liadi from?
Shneur Zalman of Liadi was from Liozna, Vitsyebsk Region, Belarus.
What did Shneur Zalman of Liadi do?
Shneur Zalman of Liadi worked as philosopher, rabbi, composer, Posek.
What was Shneur Zalman of Liadi known for?
Notable works include Niggun of Four Stanzas, Tanya, Shulchan Aruch HaRav.