By Dovid Zaklikowski, Chabad.org
Sammy Reshevsky was born in Ozorkov, Poland in 1911, to parents who belonged to the Gerrer Chassidic dynasty.
When he was nine years old his family moved to the United States, and it was there that he later became champion in the Western Championship, the US Chess Championship and the US Open Championship.
He was famous for his slow and thoughtful moves, contemplating every move and strategizing every step, sometimes for hours.
In the year 1984, Reshevsky was proclaimed the joint winner of a major chess tournament which took place in Iceland, a victory for which he had prepared by asking for the Rebbe’s blessing.
Following his victory, Sammy received a letter from the Rebbe, and its end read:
“P.S. The following lines may appear strange, but I consider it my duty not to miss the opportunity to bring it to your attention. You surely are familiar with the life story of Bobby Fischer, of whom nothing has been heard in quite some time.
“Unfortunately, he did not have the proper Jewish education, which is probably the reason for his being so alienated from the Jewish way of life or the Jewish people.
“However, being a Jew, he should be helped by whomever possible. I am writing to you about this, since you are probably better informed about him than many other persons, and perhaps you may find some way in which he could be brought back to the Jewish fold, either through your personal efforts, or in some other way…”
Bobby Fischer was a famous chess genius who became the American Chess Champion at the age of fourteen. He was the World Champion from 1972 to 1975.
When Reshevsky received the Rebbe’s letter, his first reaction was one of joy: the Rebbe had chosen him for a special task. However, he understood that this mission would not be easily fulfilled.
Bobby had already been out of public life for a few years, and was known to be living reclusively in Los Angeles. Soon after Reshevsky received the Rebbe’s letter, he traveled to Los Angeles to play at a tournament.
As soon as he arrived, he phoned Bobby and related the Rebbe’s request to him. Bobby immediately agreed to see him. This was very unusual, since he did not often receive visitors. Their meeting lasted three hours, during which Bobby asked many serious questions about Judaism.
Read the full story HERE
I heard from R’ Rabinvitzh A”H that he saw in the park in Crown Heights – where alter russishe yiden were commonly playing chess – a teenager was playing with them. They called him – as they knew that Rabinovitz had significant chess rank from Russia – and challenged to try the kid out as no one could beat him. Rabinovitz accepted the challenge and was demolished by Fisher. Since Rabinovitch was so surprised to be beaten by a kid – despite his own high rank – he asked his name. This is how we know that it was Boby… Read more »
the things he said, the life he lived, … whats worse: his Kaf haKela.
As the article states: The Rebbe tried reaching out to Fischer BEFORE the time he made anti-Semitic statements.
After that time, it would be like Fischer was in cherem.
The Rebbe recognized the cherem and refused to have anything to do with Fischer. There is no expiration date on the cherem – it continues.
But The Rebbe Rosh Bnei Yisroel cares about everyone – לא ידח ממנו נדח
Bobby Fischer was an avid self hating Jew. Calling for random killings of Jews and was burried with a tzeilem on his grave stone. For more info look up wikipedia