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Der Voyder Rov: The Chief Rabbi of the Soviet Union Under the Communist Regime

Rabbi Meshulam Yeshayahu Zusha Shub, known as “Der Voyder Rov”, served as the Chief Rabbi of the Soviet Union, even during the terrifying days of Communist rule. He was the rabbi of the legendary Chabad synagogue “Marina Roscha” in Moscow, where Chassidim would gather with great self-sacrifice. He was one of the foremost figures in farbrengens, inspiring many. On the occasion of his yahrzeit, the 14th of Sivan, we recall fascinating stories and the contours of his character • Full Article

Rabbi Meshulam Yeshayahu Zusha Shub, known as “Der Voyder Rov”, served as the Chief Rabbi of the Soviet Union, even during the terrifying days of Communist rule. He was the rabbi of the legendary Chabad synagogue “Marina Roscha” in Moscow, where Chassidim would gather with great self-sacrifice. He was one of the foremost figures in farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings), inspiring many. On the occasion of his yahrzeit, the 14th of Sivan, we recall fascinating stories and the contours of his character.

Born around the year 1876 (תרל”ו) in the city of Sardina Buda (Budslav) in White Russia, he was the son of R’ Tuvia, who had previously served as a shochet in Bobruisk. R’ Tuvia was a wise and kind Chassid to whom many would turn for advice and personal guidance. His family lineage traced back to the Shlah HaKadosh and Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli. Their Chassidic roots dated back to the discipleship of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, and after his immigration to the Land of Israel, to Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, and the subsequent leaders of Chabad-Lubavitch.

As a child, Rabbi Shub studied under Rabbi Eliezer Gordon of Telz, who praised the young boy as a diligent genius. Even from his earliest years, he was known for his deep commitment to Torah study, spending hours immersed in texts while his peers played outside. Long into the night, under dim lighting, his furrowed brow testified to his deep concentration.

A Remarkable Story of Divine Protection

One night, a group of thieves planned to break into the Shub family home. As they approached, they were startled to see a boy (young Zusha) still awake and studying by candlelight. Assuming he would soon sleep, they returned later—only to find him still learning. This happened repeatedly until the thieves gave up their plan.

Torah Journey: From Telz to Lubavitch

In his youth, before the founding of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim, he studied in the famed Telz Yeshiva, established by Rabbi Eliezer Gordon, known as one of the pioneers of deep analytical Talmudic study. There, Rabbi Shub absorbed the method of thematic shiurim focusing on the early commentaries, such as the Ramban, Rashba, and Ritva.

One Simchas Torah, Rabbi Shub, then a yeshiva student, stayed in Telz and joined the minyan of local townspeople, hoping for an aliyah. After being ignored by the baalebatim, he tearfully went to his Rosh Yeshiva. Seeing his disappointment, Rabbi Gordon dismissed the behavior of the laymen and poured him a full cup of vodka instead: “This is your aliyah!”

Later, Rabbi Shub joined the newly established Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva under the Rebbe Rashab, to whom he became deeply connected. He continued his intense diligence in learning.

At that time, Lubavitch would send bochurim into Lithuanian towns to impress locals with their learning. Rabbi Mendel Dubrovsky recounted that in Torah debates, “Der Voyder Rov would slice through opponents like cabbage,” leaving them speechless.

Chief Rabbi of Moscow

He eventually became rabbi of the town Voyda, from which his nickname “Der Voyder Rov” derived. He was later appointed Chief Rabbi of Moscow and the Soviet Union, at a time of religious persecution. He was deeply revered for his brilliance and piety. He was known to be proficient in the entire Talmud and Tosafos by heart.

A Leader in Difficult Times

Among the Jews of Moscow—both Chassidim and misnagdim—he was the central spiritual authority. Another rabbi in the city, Rabbi Dovid Abba Gudelfein, often debated halachic issues with him. Rabbi Gudelfein, despite his scholarship, often ruled leniently, which led to friction between them.

A famous story is told by his grandson Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, Chief Rabbi of Moldova. One year before Sukkos, the community in Moscow struggled to obtain the Four Species. When they finally acquired them, joy was immense. The next morning, Der Voyder Rov arrived early to make the blessing and then help others fulfill the mitzvah. Rabbi Gudelfein, who arrived just after him, questioned why Rabbi Shub danced with such joy.

“After all, you don’t dance for ‘Asher Yatzar’ (the blessing after using the bathroom),” said Rabbi Gudelfein.

Rabbi Shub replied, “If you only said ‘Asher Yatzar’ once a year, I’m sure you’d be dancing too!”

Passing and Legacy

Rabbi Shub passed away on Thursday, Parshas Shelach, 14 Sivan 5700 (1940), peacefully in his sleep. He was buried by the Chevra Kadisha in the Jewish cemetery of Moscow.

His Family:

Son: Rabbi Ben-Zion Shub

Sons-in-law:
Rabbi Mordechai Dovid Lakshin
Rabbi Shmaryahu Abelsky
Rabbi Avraham Feldman

Cousin: Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson

His grandson, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, heard many wondrous stories about him from elder Chassidim, who were in awe of his Torah and character. At 770, Rabbi Meir Avtzon once approached Rabbi Zalman and told him a miracle story about his saintly grandfather, which left a lasting impression.

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