23 Iyar: The Courage of the Rebbe Rayatz Before the Authorities (5667/1907)

The Police Visit of 1907

On 23 Iyar 5667 (1907), police officers arrived at the home of the Rebbe Rashab to interrogate his son, the young Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the future sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, known as the Rebbe Rayatz). The police were interested in the activities of the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva, founded by the Rebbe Rashab — the authorities suspected that the institution was engaged in "subversive" activities.

"I Fear No One but the Almighty"

When the investigator began the interrogation and attempted to intimidate the young Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak with threats, the latter responded with remarkable calm and dignity: "I fear no one but the Almighty." These words made a profound impression on the investigator. The accusations were based on false reports, and during the interrogation it became clear that the yeshiva was engaged exclusively in Torah study and the education of youth in the spirit of Jewish tradition.

"Rebbe"

The courage and dignity of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak so impressed the investigator that he began addressing him not by name or rank, but respectfully calling him "Rebbe." This episode became one of the early manifestations of the unyielding character of the future sixth Rebbe, who would later challenge far more formidable adversaries — the Soviet authorities — risking his life for the preservation of Jewish education and religious life.