כ״ט סיון ה׳תשפ״ה | June 24, 2025
Documents Reveal Fascinating Details of Rebbe’s Coming to America
In honor of 28 Sivan, Anash.org is pleased to present a collection of rare historical documents connected to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s transatlantic journey to the United States, as well as their immigration and naturalization. Some added documents are being published this year for the first time.
In honor of 28 Sivan, Anash.org is pleased to present a collection of rare historical documents connected to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s transatlantic journey to the United States, as well as their immigration and naturalization. Some added documents are being published this year for the first time.
By Anash.org reporter
In honor of the yom habahir of 28 Sivan, Anash.org is pleased to present a collection of rare historical documents connected to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s transatlantic journey to the United States, as well as their immigration and naturalization. Some of these documents are being published here this year for the first time.
Among them is the passenger list of the Serpa Pinto, the ship that carried the Rebbe and Rebbetzin from the port of Lisbon on 17 Sivan 5701 (1941), arriving in the U.S. eleven days later, on 28 Sivan. Included as well are the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s Declaration of Intention, Petition for Naturalization, and other key immigration documents, several for the first time.
Also featured here and published for the first time this year (5785) is the passenger list from when Rebbetzin Chana arrived with the Rebbe on the same date – 28 Sivan – six years later, and the passenger manifest of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s historic arrival to the U.S. on 9 Adar 5700 (1940).
One especially interesting item is the Rebbe’s World War II draft registration card. While not drafted for military service, the Rebbe was registered in case he could assist with civilian defense or war-related work. When asked to list someone who would always know his address, the Rebbe wrote: Rabbi Joseph I. Schneersohn, 770 Eastern Parkway.
These documents offer a unique window into the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s early years in America and the challenges of their journey. Among the details that stand out are the Rebbetzin’s full legal name listed as “Haya Moussia,” and a physical description of the Rebbe.
Anash.org invites you to scroll through these historical records and gain new insights into the personal sacrifices and circumstances that marked the beginning of a new chapter in Lubavitch history.
COMMENTS
The Rebbetzin lists her birthday as August 13 1901 = 28 Av 5661
The Rebbe lists his birthday as March 1 1895 = 5 Adar 5655
Anyone know why?
It could be because different Russian governments played around with the calendar
Fairly common in those days for ppl to have their legal birthday as different then the day they were born, for various reasons, such as the army for example. The Rebbe made reference once in Yechidus to being “an old friend, not as old as it says on the passport.”
Wouldn’t explain the Rebbe’s birthday listed as seven years before we know his birthday to be
Different birthdates were used to evade the military draft.
Interesting to note too. That the Chasuna is listed which was on November 13, 1928. Which comes out to as, ל׳ חשון תרפ״ט. Aprox 2 weeks before the actual date.
If you convert the date from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar it comes out to Nov. 26 which is 13 Kislev, and after Shkia would be the 14th.
The Rebbe’s wedding on 14th going into the 15th, so it’s still 1 day off
In Czarist Russia, practically all chassidim listed their DOB several years earlier in order to have an easier time evading the draft (they could claim that they served many years earlier – as the Rebbe did when applying for French citizenship). i.e, the Rebbe Rayatz’s DOB is 1871 – nine years before his birth.
See also Early years, p. 106. and sources cited there.