Undaunted [Hardcover]

David Eliezrie’s Undaunted chronicles the extraordinary courage of the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, as he confronted the brutal oppression of both czarist Russia and the Soviet regime. While many religious leaders fled as the Communists shuttered synagogues and schools, Rabbi Schneersohn remained, risking his life to preserve Jewish life and earning the reputation of “the last man standing.” Despite enduring torture, arrest, and a death sentence, his unwavering defiance and international advocacy ultimately secured his release.

Drawing on historical documents and rare archives, Eliezrie details how Rabbi Schneersohn introduced Chabad teachings in Western Europe, empowered women, and established yeshivas to nurture future Jewish leaders. The book recounts his daring escape from war-torn Poland – a feat made possible through a rare collaboration between the US government and Nazi Germany – and his dramatic arrival in the United States. There, he boldly declared “America is not different,” directly challenging the widespread belief that Judaism must conform to American culture.

Even after his exile from the Soviet Union, Rabbi Schneersohn continued to lead Jewish resistance there and worked tirelessly to save Jews. He reenvisioned American Jewry by founding the first nationwide network of Jewish day schools, and in the postwar years, laid the groundwork for a global Jewish renaissance, inspiring generations of Chabad leaders to sustain and expand Jewish life in the face of adversity.

Undaunted also explores the deep relationship between the Sixth Rebbe and his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

In an era of unparalleled turmoil and challenge, the Rebbe emerges as one of the most consequential leaders of modern Jewry.

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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This well-researched and inspiring biography of Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak Schneersohn, the Sixth Rebbe of Chabad, contributes greatly not only to the history of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, but also to the religious history of the Jewish people during the tumultuous and transformative decades that coincided with the Rebbe’s life. Undaunted draws upon Chabad documents, interviews and traditions, in addition to scholarly sources. It makes a major contribution and deserves a wide audience. " -- Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University

"David Eliezrie has captured the indomitable spirit of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn in a way that is both profound and accessible. This biography is not just a recounting of events, but a vivid portrait of a leader whose courage and vision transformed Jewish life in the face of unimaginable adversity. Undaunted will inspire readers to see what is truly possible when faith and determination meet the world’s greatest challenges." -- Rabbi Manis Friedman

"The life of the previous Lubavitcher rebbe is one of the most remarkable in recent jewish history. He was a lion who took on single-handedly the most ferocious evil empire of modernity and emerged triumphant. He is also the man who most inspired and shaped the heart and soul of his son in law the Lubavitcher rebbe who changed the entire Jewish word. Who was this man ? What was his secret? At last a comprehensive book about this extraordinary man of god. Drawing on newly uncovered historical materials, personal accounts, and rare documents, Rabbi Eliezrie delivers the first comprehensive biography of a man whose story has too often gone untold-a spiritual giant." -- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson
About the Author
Rabbi David Eliezrie serves as the senior Chabad Shliach in Yorba Linda, California, and previously held the position of Jewish Chaplain at the University of Miami. He is the current president of the Rabbinical Council of Orange County and sits on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Deeply involved in both national and international Jewish affairs, Rabbi Eliezrie is recognized for his leadership and dedication to the global Jewish community. He received his rabbinic education at yeshivas in Israel and New York. An accomplished author, speaker, and writer, Rabbi Eliezrie is married and the proud father of six children, with a growing number of grandchildren. Rabbi Eliezrie is the author of Undaunted: The Life of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, published by Magid. His earlier book, The Secret of Chabad, was honored as a finalist in the prestigious 2016 National Jewish Book Awards.

Binding: Hardcover
Size: 5.5" x 8.5"
Pages: 544
Language: English
Publisher: Toby Press
Publication date: November 4, 2025
ISBN-10: 159264726X
ISBN-13: 9781592647262

Undaunted [Hardcover]
How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn Saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance
By: Elyashiv Reichner