The Rebbe

This feature documentary explores the life, impact, and enduring legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose leadership transformed Jewish life and reached millions around the world. The film begins at his gravesite, where 50,000 people gathered this year on his yahrzeit, and traces his journey from his early years in Europe—his studies in Berlin and Paris, his escape from Nazi occupation—to his reluctant acceptance of leadership in 1950 as the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Through archival footage, rare stills, interviews, and new location shoots spanning from the Amazon Jungle to Antarctica, the documentary examines how the Rebbe revitalized Jewish faith and community after the Holocaust. It explores the origins of Chabad in the 18th century, its lineage of leaders, and its distinctive emphasis on outreach, education, and inclusivity. The Rebbe’s daily schedule, mitzvah campaigns, and extensive correspondence reveal a figure of remarkable intellectual and spiritual energy.

Animated sequences from Emmy and Golden Globe winner David Sacks will bring to life key moments where no footage exists, offering deeper insight into his personal history. The film also highlights his prophetic stance during the Six-Day War, his influence on global leaders, and his role in inspiring social change, including Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s creation of the Food Stamp Program.

By combining historical context with personal stories, this documentary provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of a leader whose vision continues to shape Jewish and global life three decades after his passing.

Producers: Jay Ruderman, 5X Media

Director: Scott Weintrob