Mashpia Explained

Mashpia (Hebrew: משפיע) or feminine Mashpi'oh lit. "person of influence", pl. Mashpi'im (Hebrew: משפיעים) is the title of a rabbi who serves as a spiritual mentor in a Hasidic Jewish yeshiva.^[1]

This title is also used in Breslov Hasidic movements, who have no rebbe. Previously, those holding this position were referred to as "community rabbis".

The related Hebrew word "mashpian" refers to an "influencer" such as a celebrity or social media promoter.^[2]

Mashpi'im in Chabad

Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, discussed the role of mashpi'im in the preface to the Tanya, his book on Hasidic philosophy.^[3]

Notable Chabad mashpi'im

• Hillel HaLevi of Paritch
• Zalman Moishe HaYitzchaki)
• Menachem Mendel Futerfas
• Yehuda Chitrik
• Menachem Zeev Greenglass
• Nissan Neminov
• Yoel Kahn^[4]

Notes and References

1. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1280337/jewish/The-Rabbi-and-the-Thief.htm: "He was later... head mashpia (spiritual mentor) in the Lubavitcher yeshivah of Kfar Chabad"
2. Pink, E., High Influence in JLife Leeds magazine, June/July 2024, p. 83, accessed on 5 July 2024
3. Web site: Essays: Provide Yourself a Teacher . 2006-12-24 . dead . https://archive.today/20130415212355/http://www.sichosinenglish.org/essays/44.htm . 2013-04-15 .
4. Web site: "Kevutza" Poses for Group Photo. Line. Chabad On. collive. 10 August 2017. en. 2018-12-27.