1. Historical Context of 3 Cheshvan
The third day of Cheshvan in the year 5627 (1866) marks a significant date in Chabad history. It commemorates the passing of the Maharil of Kapust, Rabbi Yehudah Leib, who was a son of the Tzemach Tzedek. The Tzemach Tzedek had seven sons, several of whom became leaders in their own right, with some moving away from Lubavitch where they were born.
2. The Maharil's Lineage
The Maharil was born as the second son of the Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe Menachem Mendel, over 200 years ago, in the year 5568 (1808). His great-grandfather, the Alter Rebbe, served as his sandek—holding him during his bris. The Alter Rebbe had raised the Tzemach Tzedek after his mother passed away. The Alter Rebbe himself passed away five years after the Maharil's birth.
3. Family Connections and Relationships
The title "Alter Rebbe" refers to him being the elder Rebbe among three prominent leaders at that time: the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe, and the Tzemach Tzedek. The Maharil had a close relationship with his grandfather, Reb Dovber—the Mitteler Rebbe—who was also very fond of him. It is noted that he would wait for his grandson before delivering Chassidic discourses.
4. The Maharil's Leadership
After his father's passing on 13 Nissan 5626 (1866), Rabbi Yehudah Leib moved to Kapust and became a Rebbe there for a brief period—approximately six months. During this time, thousands of Chassidim visited him, hoping he would be their next leader following the Tzemach Tzedek.
5. Legacy and Passing
Tragically, shortly after assuming leadership in Kapust, he fell ill and passed away on the third day of Cheshvan—just half a year after his father's passing. He is interred in Kapust, where he served as a Rebbe.
6. Descendants and Continuation of Leadership
The Maharil's son succeeded him as the Kapust Rebbe; however, many branches stemming from the sons of the Tzemach Tzedek did not flourish long-term. Among these sons were notable figures like Rebbe Yisroel Noach of Niezhin and others who led different Chassidic groups but did not achieve lasting prominence like their father.
7. Connection to Current Leadership
The Lubavitcher Rebbe is a direct descendant of Reb Baruch Shalom—the oldest son of the Tzemach Tzedek—highlighting a continuous lineage within Chabad leadership that traces back to these foundational figures in Chassidus.
Notes
The Maharil of Kapust (Rabbi Yehudah Leib, 5568–5627 / 1808–1866) – see 14 Cheshvan – his wedding.
The Tzemach Tzedek – his father. See 29 Elul – his birth and 13 Nissan – his passing.
The Mitteler Rebbe – his grandfather. See 10 Kislev – his release from prison.
Reb Baruch Shalom – eldest son of the Tzemach Tzedek and the Rebbe's ancestor. See 22 Cheshvan – his birthday and 16 Shevat – his yahrzeit.
Rebbe Yisroel Noach of Niezhin – see 17 Nissan – his passing.