True, he’s dead, but still millions of people believe that he is (or was) the Messiah. My acquaintance with the movement began in the mid-90s when I worked (as a temporary employee) 
for the Chabad (Lubavitch) offices in L.A. The Rebbe had recently passed away and the movement was trying to cope with his death (and lack of resurrection). Today they celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of his passing and the movement is still flourishing, though the debate of his Messiahship has not been settled.
Arutz-7 has an interesting article about Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (“one of the world’s greatest Jews”), including several “remarkable” stories of his abilities. Read the one about the mezuzah and see if you are impressed; I was not.
The Arutz-7 story is on the long side, but I think this is an important subject, given that over a million followers of Chabad. You can read more at Wikipedia on Chabad and the possible Messiah himself.
I certainly don’t have the genius of this man, nor the followers, and no one would ever think I’m the Messiah, but I do have this over him: I’ve been to Israel.
Ooooo! Burn! That’s hilarious. You’d think the Messiah might want to visit once…let alone Aliyah…
“He held a view that according to Jewish law, it was uncertain if a Jewish person who was in the land of Israel was allowed to leave.” Uhhh…what does this sentance even mean. Can someone exegete it for me?
Bob – it simply means that if he came to Israel, he could not leave. Not even for a vacation, I suppose.
I’ve seen his picture in interesting places. Like the Falafel Palace in Northridge and the garment district in L.A. I mentioned that I had been to Israel to the shop keeper in L.A. (just off the plane by a day or 2) and I got an orthodox response…Diverting of the eyes, not much interest…Ahh, Rabbi Schneerson…