(CHABAD - LUBAVITCH).

Brooklyn, NY

1985-86

United States District Court, Eastern District of New York. Agudas Chasidei Chabad of United States (plaintiff), Against Barry S. Gourary (defendant), Hanna Gourary (interventor - defendant). United States Courthouse, Brooklyn, New York. Before the Honorable Charles P. Sifton.

Provenance: Received from the consignor directly from the late Barry Gourary shortly before the latter’s death. Barry (Shalom Dov-Baer) Gourary (1923-2005) was the only grandchild of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950). Barry Gourary’s relationship with his grandfather’s successor, R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson, was a source of struggle and friction to himself, the wider Gourary-Schneerson family and ultimately the Chabad-Lubavitch community as a whole. The documents here relate to the civil lawsuit brought over the question of true title to the historic Chabad Library. Gourary claimed a portion of the books as part of his inheritance from his late grandfather. The Chabad movement, led by the Rebbe, argued that the library was the communal property of the Lubavitch Chassidim and not the personal possession of any one person - including the Rebbe himself. After a lengthy case that included fascinating asides and anecdotes concerning Chabad Chassidic history, the court ruled in favor of the Chabad movement. In the Chabad community the verdict is celebrated on the 5th of Teveth, known as “Didan Notzach” [Our ruling is victorious]. Please note, viewing of this lot is upon request (subject to approval) and by 24-hour advance appointment only.