Thousands Expected At Rabbi's Grave

As many as 50,000 people are expected to visit the grave of a revered New York City rabbi to mark the 15th anniversary of his death.

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson led the Chabad Lubavitch movement based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for more than 40 years.

He was known as "the rebbe" to national politicians, city leaders and his followers. The Hasidic movement he led stressed outreach to encourage Jewish religious observance and education.

The rabbi was 92 when he died on June 12, 1994 but according to the Jewish calendar the anniversary of his death will be observed for 24 hours starting at sundown Wednesday.

Visitors have waited hours to say a brief prayer at his grave on past anniversaries.

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On the Net:  Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center