Chabad-Lubavitch (also known as Chabad, Habad or Lubavitch), is one of the largest branches of Hasidic Judaism and one of the largest Jewish movements worldwide. Chabad (חב"ד ) is a Hebrew acronym for "חכמה Chochmah, בינה Binah, דעת Da'at" ("Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge").^[1]. Lubavitch, taken from the Russian Любавичи, Lyubavichi, is the name of the town that served as the movement's headquarters for over a century. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Shneur Zalman of Liadi (‎) (September 4, 1745 – December 15, 1812 O.S.), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ... Dovber Schneuri (1773-11-13 - 1827-11-16 OS) was an Orthodox rabbi and the second Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ... Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (or Menachem Mendel or Tzemach Tzedek) (1789 - 1866) was an Orthodox Jewish rabbi of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement that was based in the town of Lubavitch in present-day Belarus. ... Shmuel Schneersohn (or Rabbi Shmuel or Maharash) (1834–1882), was an Orthodox rabbi. ... Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (or Sholom Dovber or Rashab) (1860 - 1920) was an Orthodox rabbi and the fifth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement. ... Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok (Joseph Isaac)[1] Schneersohn (1880 - 1950) was an Orthodox rabbi and the sixth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ... For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... Lubavitch world headquarters, 770 Eastern Parkway 770 Eastern Parkway, commonly abbreviated to 770 or Seven-seventy is the street address of the central headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York in the United States of America. ... Portrait of Shneur Zalman of Liadi 19 Kislev refers to the 19th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. ... Ohel (Chabad) is the name of a religious shrine in Queens, New York, to which thousands of people make a pilgrimage each year. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Agudas Chasidei Chabad. ... The Crown Heights Riot was a three-day riot in the Crown Heights neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. ... The Brookly Bridge Shooting was an incident that took place on March 1, 1994, when Lebanese-born Rashid Baz, armed with a Glock 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol and a 9-millimeter Cobray machine gun, shot on a van carrying members of the Chabad-Lubavitch Orthodox Jewish sect on the... Agudas Chasidei Chabad is the umbrella organization for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... -1... Chabad. ... The logo of Kehot Publication Society. ... GAN ISRAEL CAMPING NETWORK There are hundreds of them around the world, with tens of thousands of campers. ... Logo of the Sheloh organization Jewish Released Time, also known as Sheloh (an abbreviation for Shiurei Limud Hados (Classes for Learning the Religion)), is an organization promoting released time for the Jewish education of Jewish children learning in public schools. ... A Project of Guideline Services, Lubavitch House 125 Montgomery Avenue, Suite A3 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 610-660-0190 Donate Online Who are we? The Jewish Relief Agency is an organization whose aim is to identify and feed needy Jewish families. ... The Jewish childrens Museum in Brooklyn The Jewish Childrens Museum is a brand-new museum open to the public all about jewish life, its history and averything associated with orthodox judaism. ... Official logo of the Ohr Avner Foundation Ohr Avner Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that was established in 1992 by the Israeli billionaire and emigre from the former Soviet Union, Lev Leviev, to be run by rabbis of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement to which Lev Leviev belongs. ... Colel Chabad is the oldest continuously operating charity of its kind in Israel. ... Merkos LInyonei Chinuch (lit. ... The Kinus Hashluchim is the annual gathering of Chabad Shluchim held in the fall, each year. ... Rabbi Hillel HaLevi Malisov of Paritch, commonly known as Reb Hillel Paritcher (1795-1864) was a famous Orthodox Jewish Rabbi in Russia. ... Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik (1899-2006) was a leading scholar, author, and Mashpia in the Chabad community. ... Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Aizik Hodakov (1902-1993) was the chief of staff of the secretariat of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson for more than 40 years. ... Biography of Reb Itche der Masmid Yitzchok Horowitz, more commonly known as Reb Itche der Masmid, was a famous Orthodox Jewish Rabbi in pre-war Europe. ... R Manis Friedman at the wedding of his niece in March 2007 Rabbi Manis Friedman (born 1946) is a Chabad Lubavitch Hassid. ... Rabbi Yoel Kahn Rabbi Yoel Kahn (or Kahan) is a senior, Chabad rabbi, Mashpia, and community leader. ... Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner Rabbi Leib Yehuda Groner (born 1932) was the secretary to the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson for over 40 years. ... Chaya Mushka (Moussia) Schneerson (March 16, 1901-February 10, 1988) referred to by Lubavitchers as The Rebbetzin was the wife of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson the seventh and last Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch branch of Hasidic Judaism. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, (1878-1944), was a Hasidic rabbi in Russia. ... Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo adressing a crowd Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo, also Sholom Ber Wolpe[1], (born 1948) is a senior Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi and community leader in Israel. ... Rabbi Berel Lazar is the Chief Rabbi of Russia, and is the chairman of the rabbinical alliance of the CIS. Education A native of Milan, Italy, Rabbi Lazar was born in 1964 to parents who were among the first emissaries of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. ... Rabbi Chaim Yehuda (Yudel) Krinsky (born 1933) is a Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic rabbi. ... Shneur Zalman Moishe HaYitzchaki, usually known familiarly as Reb Zalman Moishe, (c. ... Rabbi Nissan Neminov, known familiarly as Reb Nissan, was a famous Orthodox Jewish Rabbi. ... Professor Herman Branover is known in the Jewish communities of Israel, Russia, and the West as an inspiring author, translator, publisher, and educator. ... Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebryanski, known familiarly as Reb Zalman, (Dec 1904-1991-06-15) was an Orthodox rabbi and Mashpia belonging to the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement. ... Crown Heights is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. ... Kfar Chabad is a Chabad-Lubavitch community of about 400 families located near Tel Aviv. ... Hayom Yom (Hebrew: היום יום, Today is day . ... Igrot Kodesh (literally Holy Epistles but more commonly known as Letters of the Rebbe} is a collection of the seventh Rebbe of Lubavitch, Menachem Mendel Schneersons correspondence and responsa. ... Note: Tanya Rabbati, a 16th century Italian code of Jewish law, is an unrelated work with a similar name. ... Likkutei Sichos, lit. ... A popular Sidur (prayer-book) in the Chabad-Lubavitch community. ... Shulchan Aruch HaRav, or Shulkhan Arukh HaRav, (Code of Jewish Law by the Rabbi) is a codification of halakha by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known during his lifetime as HaRav (The Rabbi). At a young age, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was asked by his teacher, Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch to... Bais Rivka (or Beth Rivkah) is the name used for the Bais Yaakov-type private girls schools of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic movement. ... Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson giving a class in Hadar Hatorah in 1962 Yeshiva Hadar Hatorah is the worlds first Baal Teshuva Yeshiva For men rediscovering their Jewish roots. ... Yeshivah College is a Jewish school on Hotham Street in Melbourne, Australia run by the Chabad-Lubavitch movements Yeshivah Centre. ... Oholei Torah is the common name of the Lubavitch schools Educational Institute Oholei Menachem and Talmudical Seminary Oholei Torah. ... Tomchei Temimim is the central Yeshiva (Talmudical school) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic movement. ... Dormitory Ohel Chana is an Orthodox Jewish girls seminary on Balaclava Road in Melbourne, Australia run by the Chabad-Lubavitch movements Yeshivah Centre. ... Yeshiva Gedolah Zal, Yeshiva Gedolah, or colloquially, YG is a yeshiva, an academy for young Orthodox Jews to devote themselves to full-time rabbinical studies. ... Beth Rivkah Ladies College is an Orthodox Jewish day-school on Balaclava Road in Melbourne, Australia run by the Chabad-Lubavitch movements Yeshivah Centre. ... The Rabbinical College of America is one of the largest Chabad Lubavitch Chasidic Yeshivas in the world. ... Ohr Avner Chabad Day School refers to a network of Jewish day schools founded and supported by Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev, under the auspices of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, located in the areas of the former Soviet Union Ohr Avner Chabad Day School (Tashkent) Ohr Avner Chabad Day School (Volgograd... Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies is a Chabad-Lubavitch yeshiva for men located in Makor Baruch, Jerusalem, Israel. ... For other uses, see Orthodox Judaism outreach (disambiguation). ... Mitzvah Campaigns, or Mitvtzoim (Heb. ... A Chabad House is a centre for disseminating Orthodox Judaism by the Chabad movement. ... The Tefillin Campaign refers to a campaign by Orthodox Jews to influence all male Jews, regardless of their level of religious observance, to don the Tefillin (phylacteries) daily. ... The Noahide Campaign refers to a campaign by Orthodox Jews to influence all non-Jews to follow the Noahide Laws. ... Shaliach (Hebrew: שָלִיחַ; plural שְלִיחִים, shlichim or Shliach plural Shluchim), in Judaism, is the concept of an emissary. ... A Chabad Lubavitch Mitzvah tank Mitzvah tank or Mitzva tanks are large vehicles, usually a big van, or travel trailer, or recreational vehicle or campervan, sometimes even a pickup truck with a Sukkah on it, that are utilized by the Orthodox Judaism practitioners of Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidism as portable educational... ChiTaS is a Hebrew acronym for Chumash (The five books of Moses), Tehillim (Psalms) and Tanya (Kabbalistic work by Schnuer Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe). ... Mashpia (Heb. ... Meiniach (Heb. ... A Farbrengen (from the Yiddish פארברענגען, meaning joyous gathering) is a Hasidic gathering. ... Nusach Ari means, in a general sense, any prayer rite following the usages of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the AriZal, in the 16th century, and, more particularly, the version of it used by Chabad Chasidim. ... Choizer (Heb. ... A Chabadnitze (Yiddish: ) is a small side room required for a Chabad synagogue. ... In Jewish messianism and eschatology, the Messiah (Hebrew: משיח; Mashiah, Mashiach, or Moshiach, anointed [one]) is a term traditionally referring to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed (the meaning of the Hebrew word משיח) with holy anointing oil and inducted to rule the Jewish people during... Strashelye, is a branch of the Chabad school of Hasidic Judaism, named after the town Strashelye in the Mohilev Province of present-day Belarus, where its leader lived. ... The Malachim are a barely extant quasi-Hasidic group with strong Miami and Williamsburg connections. ... Chabad is a major branch of Hasidic Judaism and is made up of many organisations: Chabad-Lubavitch, a branch of Hasidic Judaism. ... This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ... “Hebrew” redirects here. ... Look up acronym, initialism, alphabetism in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Chokhma in the Kabbalah of Judaism is the second sephira of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. ... Binah is the third Sefirah on the tree of life. ... Daat or Daas (דעת knowledge or reason in Hebrew) in the Kabbalah of Judaism is associated with the Sephiroth, meaning enumerations which are the emantions of God into the universe. ... For the apocryphal book of the Bible, see Book of Wisdom. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Lyubavichi or Lubavichi (Russian: , Yiddish: Lubavitch, Lubavich) is a village in Rudnyansky District, Smolensk Oblast, Russia. ...

In 1993 there were over 200,000 adherents to the movement^[2][3][4] some estimate today that there are over a million.^[5][6]

Its adherents, known as "Chabadniks" (Hebrew), "Lubavitchers", or "Chabadskers" (Yiddish) are Orthodox Jews belonging to Hasidic Judaism as defined by the Chabad traditions. Like all Hasidim, they follow the teachings of "Chasidus" (see Hasidic philosophy) as taught by Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (1698-1760). Their customs are based heavily on the earlier Kabbalistic works of Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534-1572). Orthodox Judaism is the formulation of Judaism that adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonised in the Talmudic texts (Oral Torah) and as subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim. ... This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ... Hasidic Philosophy or Chassidic philosophy (Hebrew: חסידות, also Hassidism, Chassidus or Chassidut or Chasidut) is the teachings and philosophy underlying Hasidic Judaism. ... Rabbi Israel (Yisroel) ben Eliezer (רבי ישראל בן אליעזר, c. ... This article is about traditional Jewish Kabbalah. ... The grave of Isaac Luria in Safed Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534 – July 25, 1572) was a Jewish mystic in Safed. ...

Founded by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi in the late 18th century, Chabad has had seven leaders or rebbes. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) succeeded his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn (1880-1950), becoming the seventh leader of the movement. Shneur Zalman of Liadi (‎) (September 4, 1745 – December 15, 1812 O.S.), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... For the tanna, see Judah HaNasi. ... For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok (Joseph Isaac)[1] Schneersohn (1880 - 1950) was an Orthodox rabbi and the sixth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ...

Chabad today runs thousands of centers around the world. These centers are called Chabad Houses. They are Jewish community centers synagogues and schools, providing outreach and educational activities for Jewish communities. Level of observance is irrelevant; no minimal level of observance is a requirement for using the facilities.^[7] The centers are informal in setup. They primarily serve both educational and observance purposes.^[8] Effort is made to provide an atmosphere in which the nonobservant will not feel intimidated by any perceived contrast between their lack of knowledge of Jewish practice and the advanced knowledge of some of the people they meet there.^[9] A Chabad House is a centre for disseminating Orthodox Judaism by the Chabad movement. ...

Philosophy of Chabad

Portrait of Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812) founder of Chabad and author of Tanya and Shulchan Aruch HaRav.

The founder of Chabad, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, taught a unique approach to Hasidic thought. He created an intellectual system and approach to Judaism and the Jewish way of life. Through a philosophy based on Kabbalah that employs parables and examples to understand God, Chabad thought methodized an understanding of God, the purpose of the world's creation, and the importance of every individual person. The philosophy guides the individual in their daily life and recognizes the importance of the individual deed.^[10] Very old accepted public image of Schner Zalman of Liadi of Lubavitch. ... Very old accepted public image of Schner Zalman of Liadi of Lubavitch. ... Note: Tanya Rabbati, a 16th century Italian code of Jewish law, is an unrelated work with a similar name. ... Shulchan Aruch HaRav, or Shulkhan Arukh HaRav, (Code of Jewish Law by the Rabbi) is a codification of halakha by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known during his lifetime as HaRav (The Rabbi). At a young age, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was asked by his teacher, Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch to...

Chabad thought formulates the teachings of Kabbalah as a means to deal with one's daily life and psyche. It teaches that every aspect of the world exists only through the intervention of God. Through the intellectual approach and meditations, Chabad teaches that one can attain complete control over one's deeds.^[10]

Chabad thought teaches that while emotions are important, they only last for a short while. Through the mind, however, one can retain these emotions. One can control one's heart, one's lust and desires, through the mind, and steer the heart in the desired direction.^[11]

"Chabad"

Chabad's Hebrew initials are formulated from the first three of the ten kabbalistic schemes of the world, the Sefirot. They are Chochmah, Binah and Da'at, translated as Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge. Chabad teaches that these three sefirot are a progressive dynamic in the divine creation of the world and in the psyche of the individual person. Wisdom represents the initial birth of the wisdom in the mind, Understanding represents the details of the creation and the working in thought of the idea, and Knowledge represents the act of taking the idea and creating the actual world and the act taking of the thought and applying it to one's personal life. ."^[12] Sephirah, also Sefirah (Hebrew language סְפִירָה Enumeration); plural Sephiroth or Sefiroth סְפִירוֹת. In the Kabbalah, the Sephiroth (or Enumerations) are the ten emanations of God (or infinite light: Ain Soph Aur) into the universe. ... Chochmah or chokmah or hokmah, (חכמה) is the Hebrew word for wisdom. A wise man is a chacham (feminine: chachama). ... Binah, (meaning Understanding; בינה), in the Kabbalah of Judaism, is the second intellectual Sephirah on the tree of life. ... For the band, see DÃ…Ã…TH. Daat or Daas (Knowledge, Hebrew: דעת ) in Jewish mysticism, called Kabbalah, is the location (the mystical state) where all ten sefirot in the Tree of Life are united as one. ...

According to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, this dynamic provides a psychological formulation that enables the individual to substantiate his or her mystical thoughts. The formulation of the triad was an important advance in Jewish thought, because it helped to bridge the gap between spiritual insight and the individual's daily behavior.^[12] Sir Jonathan Henry Sacks (born 1948, London) is the Chief Rabbi of the United Synagogue, the United Kingdoms main body of Orthodox synagogues. ...

The Tanya

The Tanya, Shneur Zalman's moral magnum opus, is the first schematic treatment of Hasidic moral philosophy and its metaphysical foundations.^[12] The original name of the book is Sefer Shel Beinonim, the "Book of the Intermediates." The Tanya is also known as Likutei Amarim--"Collected Sayings." Note: Tanya Rabbati, a 16th century Italian code of Jewish law, is an unrelated work with a similar name. ...

The Tanya shows that the true definition of the term beinoni is one whose whole life is dedicated to becoming closer to God and who has never sinned in thought, speech, or action, or one who has done full teshuva for his past transgressions. Even so, the beinoni does not destroy his evil inclination and animalistic desires, and is constantly struggling against them internally; however, he is always able to overcome them in practice. Virtually all people must strive to attain this level, while a small number of souls in each generation succeed are able to reach the level of tzadik (one who has completely eradicated any open expression of his desires for worldly pleasures--the "incomplete tzadik," or has converted them into holiness--the "complete tzadik"). Teshuva (repentance) in Judaism, is the way of atoning for crimes. ... Tzadik - צדיק (plural: Tzadikkim) is the Hebrew word for righteous one, and is a title which is generally given to those whom are considered to be righteous such as a spiritual master or Rebbe. ...

The Tanya analyzes the inner struggle of the individual and the path to resolution. The philosophy is based on the notion that man himself is not evil; rather, every individual has an inner conflict that is characterized with two different inclinations, the good and the bad.^[13]

The philosophy of Tanya is based on the assumption (stated at the title page of the book) that the level of a beinoni (an intermediate person, whose all actions are directed to the Creator) is attainable by any Jew. It quotes Torah, "For this thing is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it" (Devarim 30:14), "this thing" referring to fulfillment of commandment with full desire.

The whole point of Tanya and Chabad Chassidus is to explain how to achieve this in practice. Specifically, this happens through Chabad, i.e., intellectual comprehension of and meditation upon the ideas of Creator and the process of creation, union of the Creator with the creation, the purpose of a soul's descent into the physical world, the purpose of the creation of the physical world and the existence of a soul, the spiritual aspect of fulfillment of commandments and Torah study etc. These topics are explained in Tanya and other books of Chabad Chassidus using Kabbalah of Arizal as the basis, but Chabad Chassidus creates many innovations in the Ari's Kabbalah and specifically applies it to everyday service of a Jew. It is strongly emphasized that the point of Chabad philosophy is not study of mysticism, but self-refinement and refinement of one's avoidah (everyday service of the Creator through one's actions); mysticism only serves the purpose of focusing one's mind on the topics related to the Creator and relationship of a Jew with his spiritual Source. This article is about traditional Jewish Kabbalah. ... The Grave of Isaac Luria in Safed Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534–July 25, 1572) was a Jewish scholar and mystic. ...

Meditation on these ideas, self-refinement, subjugation of emotions and actions to intellect (which is directed to the mentioned topics) is what allows a person to move closer to the level of beinoni (intermediate level), a position within reach of any Jew.

Torah study

Shneur Zalman fought against the perception that was prevalent in the early years of Hasidism that the movement neglected Talmudic study by focusing too heavily on mysticism and obscurantism. He emphasized that mysticism without Talmudic study was worthless - even dangerous.^[14] Without Talmudic study, he argued, the mind could never be elevated - and if the mind is not elevated, the soul will starve. On the other hand, he argued that while Torah was to be the focus of all study, it was also important to integrate the Torah's teachings into one's life. In a letter to Rabbi Joshua Zeitin of Shklow, Shneur Zalman wrote: "The Hasidim, too, set aside time for study. The difference between them and the Misnagdim is this: the latter set time for study and they are limited by time, whereas the former make the Torah their path of life."^[14] For other uses, see Soul (disambiguation). ... Mitnagdim (also: misnagdim) is a Hebrew word (מתנגדים) meaning opponents; this term was used to refer to European religious Jews who opposed Hasidic Judaism. ...

Shneur Zalman taught that Torah must be studied joyously - studying without joy is frowned upon. He provided a metaphor: when a mitzvah is fulfilled an angel is created. But if the mitzvah was joyless then the angel too will be dispirited. Thus, while Shneur Zalman emphasized that Hasidism focus on traditional Jewish scholarship rather than on mysticism, he was emphatic that this must be done with the zeal and joy.^[14] Practically, that joy can be attained by meditation on greatness of the Creator and one's role in the Creator's plan. Thus, study of mysticism and of traditional scholarship become symbiotic, one enhancing the other. Study of only the revealed Torah is like a body without a soul; study of only the mysticism is like a soul without a body. Combining the two creates a living organism. This article is about commandments in Judaism. ...

Role of the rebbe

In its earlier formulations, Hasidic thought elevated the rebbe (Hasidic leader, in this context) to a level above that of typical person. A rebbe was closer to God, his prayers were more amenable to Him, and a Hasid should satisfy himself with attachment to the rebbe and hence indirectly to God. A rebbe was to be a living example of perfection and would concern himself with intellectualism on behalf of the followers.^[12] According to Sacks, Chabad stressed the individual responsibilities of every Jew: "The rebbe... became more of a teacher and adviser, recognising the vocation of each of his followers, guiding them towards it, uncovering their strengths, and rejoicing in their achievements."^[12] Shneur Zalman focused on training his followers to become spiritually self-sufficient and to turn to their respective rebbes for instructions rather than intercession with God, miracles or blessings.^[14] For the tanna, see Judah HaNasi. ...

Role of the Hasid

Hasidism traditionally demanded that every Hasid personally participate in the dissemination of Torah and Judaism to one's surroundings and seek out the benefit of one's fellow Jew. Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn said: A Hasid is he who surrenders himself for the benefit of another.^[15] Beyond this, Chabad demands pnimiyut (inwardness): one should not act superficially, as a mere act of faith, but rather with inner conviction.^[16] Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (or Sholom Dovber or Rashab) (1860 - 1920) was an Orthodox rabbi and the fifth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement. ...

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's philosophy

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson strove, in his writings and lectures, to attain unity between opposites. He wanted to unite the mundane aspects of the world with the aspect of "godliness" in the world. Schneerson emphasized the concept of creating an abode for God on this world. Consequently, he sought to unite the modern world with the teachings of Judaism. He felt that the world was not a contradiction to the word of God, and it was to be embraced rather than shunned.^[11]

Schneerson taught that modern technology was not a contradiction to spirituality. For that reason, Chabad has consistently utilized modern technology to spread Judaism and Jewish thought. Since their inception, Chabad has used the radio, television, satellite feeds, and the internet to spread their message.^[17]

The Rebbes of Chabad

Sholom Dovber Schneersohn, the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe

The movement originated in Belarus in Eastern Europe, then part of Imperial Russia under the Tsars. Chabad traces its roots back to the beginnings of Hasidic Judaism. The founder of Hasidism, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (1698-1760), known as the Baal Shem Tov, started his nascent movement in Medzhybizh, Ukraine. His successor was Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch (d. 1772), his leading disciple, who was well-versed in the Lurianic Kabbalah and developed the movement further. Image File history File links Image-RebbeRashab. ... Image File history File links Image-RebbeRashab. ... Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (or Sholom Dovber or Rashab) (1860 - 1920) was an Orthodox rabbi and the fifth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement. ... Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current national boundaries: Russia (dark orange), other countries of the former USSR (medium orange),members of the Warsaw pact (light orange), and other former Communist regimes not aligned with Moscow (lightest orange). ... Imperial Russia is the term used to cover the period of history from the expansion of Russia under Peter the Great, through the expansion of the Russian Empire from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, to the deposal of Nicholas II of Russia, the last tsar, at the start... Tsar (Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian цар, Russian  , in scientific transliteration respectively car and car ), occasionally spelled Czar or Tzar and sometimes Csar or Zar in English, is a Slavonic term designating certain monarchs. ... This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ... This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ... Rabbi Israel (Yisroel) ben Eliezer (רבי ישראל בן אליעזר, c. ... Medzhybizh (Ukrainian: , Russian: , Translit: Medzhibozh, Polish: MiÄ™dzybórz, MiÄ™dzyborz or MiÄ™dzybóż, Yiddish: , translit. ... Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch (דב בער ממזריטש) (1704/1710 (?) – December 15, 1772) was the primary disciple of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidic Judaism. ... Year 1772 (MDCCLXXII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Sunday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... The grave of Isaac Luria in Safed Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534 – July 25, 1572) was a Jewish mystic in Safed. ...

• Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812), was the youngest student of Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch and founded the Chabad dynasty (he is known as the Alter Rebbe). He defined the direction of his movement and influenced Hasidic Judaism through his two most famous works the Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav. Tanya is primarily mystical and expounds upon the Zohar. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav is an authoritative work on Jewish law amongst hasidim. The names "Schneersohn" and "Schneerson" began as patronymics by Rabbi Shneur Zalman's descendants. The first form of this name was "Shneuri" (Hebrew for "of Shneur"). This was later changed to "Schneersohn".
• Rabbi Dovber Schneuri (1773–1827), son of Rabbi Shneur Zalman. Known as the Mittler Rebbe. His most famous works codified and categorized mystical pursuits such as the various states of meditation within prayer. His magnum opus Sha'ar HaYichud aims to systematically explain the concept of God's unity with the Universe.
• Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (1789–1866), grandson of Rabbi Shneur Zalman and son-in-law of Dovber, known for his responsa named Tzemach Tzedek. He was a major hasidic posek of his time. He also edited and annotated many of the Alter Rebbe's works as well as authoring his own mystical works. He was politically active in resisting the Haskalah in Russia, and to this end forged an alliance with Rabbi Yitzchok of Volozhin, a major leader of the misnagdim.
• Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn (1834–1882), youngest son of Rabbi Menachem Mendel, known as "the rebbe Maharash". His most famous saying is Lechatchile ariber — don't bother trying to go around or under obstacles, go right over them.^{[citation needed]} He was politically active in defending Jewish interests against antisemitic elements in the Tsar's government.^[18]
• Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (1860–1920), son of Shmuel, known as "the rebbe Rashab". He is known for founding the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva network and his opposition to secular political Zionism. His long essays on Chasidus (Ma'amorim) are classical Chassidic works studied in all Chabad yeshivas as introduction into Chasidus.
• Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn (1880–1950), only son of Sholom Dovber, known as the "the Rebbe Rayatz". He was the first Lubavitcher Rebbe in the United States. Following tradition of his father, he wrote ma'amorim, but also dedicated much time to shorter ma'amorim applicable to everyday situations. He also kept a diary in which he recorded stories he had heard; many excerpts of this diary have been published, and these are a major source of knowledge about Chabad history.
• Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson^[19] (1902–1994), sixth in paternal line from Menachem Mendel and son-in-law of Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn. He was successful in expanding the ranks of Chabad and spreading Hasidic Orthodox Judaism in general. Even after his death his personality occupies a central place in the movement's philosophy.

Shneur Zalman of Liadi (‎) (September 4, 1745 – December 15, 1812 O.S.), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ... This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ... Note: Tanya Rabbati, a 16th century Italian code of Jewish law, is an unrelated work with a similar name. ... Shulchan Aruch HaRav, or Shulkhan Arukh HaRav, (Code of Jewish Law by the Rabbi) is a codification of halakha by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known during his lifetime as HaRav (The Rabbi). At a young age, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was asked by his teacher, Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch to... Note: Tanya Rabbati, a 16th century Italian code of Jewish law, is an unrelated work with a similar name. ... The Zohar (Hebrew: זהר Splendor, radiance) is widely considered the most important work of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. ... Shulchan Aruch HaRav, or Shulkhan Arukh HaRav, (Code of Jewish Law by the Rabbi) is a codification of halakha by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, known during his lifetime as HaRav (The Rabbi). At a young age, Rabbi Shneur Zalman was asked by his teacher, Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch to... Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah with pronunciation emphasis on the third syllable, kha), is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... Look up patronymic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Dovber Schneuri (1773-11-13 - 1827-11-16 OS) was an Orthodox rabbi and the second Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ... Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (or Menachem Mendel or Tzemach Tzedek) (1789 - 1866) was an Orthodox Jewish rabbi of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement that was based in the town of Lubavitch in present-day Belarus. ... Note: This is based on an entry from the 1906 public domain Jewish Encyclopedia The responsa literature, known in Hebrew as Sheelot U-teshuvot (questions and answers), is the body of written decisions and rulings given by rabbis to questions addressed to them. ... The seventh and last Lubavitcher rebbe was named similarly: Menachem Mendel Schneerson (without the h in his last name, as he was a cousin. ... Posek (Hebrew פוסק, IPA: , pl. ... Haskalah (Hebrew: השכלה; enlightenment, education from sekhel intellect, mind ), the Jewish Enlightenment, was a movement among European Jews in the late 18th century that advocated adopting enlightenment values, pressing for better integration into European society, and increasing education in secular studies, Hebrew, and Jewish history. ... Mitnagdim (also: misnagdim) is a Hebrew word (מתנגדים) meaning opponents; this term was used to refer to European religious Jews who opposed Hasidic Judaism. ... Shmuel Schneersohn (or Rabbi Shmuel or Maharash) (1834–1882), was an Orthodox rabbi. ... Tsar (Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian цар, Russian  , in scientific transliteration respectively car and car ), occasionally spelled Czar or Tzar and sometimes Csar or Zar in English, is a Slavonic term designating certain monarchs. ... Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (or Sholom Dovber or Rashab) (1860 - 1920) was an Orthodox rabbi and the fifth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement. ... Tomchei Temimim is the central Yeshiva (Talmudical school) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic movement. ... This article is about the Jewish male educational system. ... This article is about Zionism as a movement, not the History of Israel. ... Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok (Joseph Isaac)[1] Schneersohn (1880 - 1950) was an Orthodox rabbi and the sixth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ... For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ...

History of Chabad

Shneur Zalman of Liadi was the founder of the Chabad school of Hasidism. He became involved in the early Hasidic movement. His background as a youth had been in traditional Talmud study rather than hasidism.^[14] He was a prominent and youngest disciple of Rabbi Dovber of Mezeritch, the principle disciple of the founder of hasidism appointed the Rabbi in the town of Liadi he gradually built up a following as the Rebbe in the town of Liozna. Over time Chabad branched out into a number of dynastic groups in towns such as Lubavitch, Lyady, and Kapost. Doctrinal differences between these groups were minimal. Since the early 20th century, the other dynasties have ended and Lubavitch alone remains as a cohesive group, and the terms "Habad" and "Lubavitch" are now frequently used interchangeably both within the movement and without.^[20] Shneur Zalman of Liadi (‎) (September 4, 1745 – December 15, 1812 O.S.), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ... The Talmud (Hebrew: תַּלְמוּד) is a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history. ... Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezeritch (דב בער ממזריטש) (1704/1710 (?) – December 15, 1772) was the primary disciple of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidic Judaism. ...

Shneur Zalman of Liadi

The Alter Rebbe became not only the leader of his own hasidic sect but a prominent figure in Hasidim in general through his writings. He was the first to codify the philosophy of Hasidism in a comprehensive way and the first to put the customs and halacha of hasidism into book form.^[12] He was the most prominent exponent of Hasidism throughout his life, and his influence on the movement was profound. He directed the movement away from obscurantism and towards more traditional forms of study. Chabad as a school of thought changed Hasidism, and this gave the Chabad movement prestige.^[14] Shneur Zalman of Liadi ‏שניאור זלמן מליאדי‎ (1745-09-04 - 1812-12-15 OS), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ... Halakha (הלכה in Hebrew or Halakhah, Halacha, Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish law, custom and tradition regulating all aspects of behavior. ...

He was twice arrested by the Russian authorities of suspicion of sedition or spying^[21] - the exact details remain contended to this day, although the accusations against him were certainly false.^[22]

He supported the Tsar against Napoleon in French invasion of Russia (1812)^[23] arguing that the emancipation of the Jews would lead to laxity in observance.^[24] His death in 1812, while fleeing from Napoleon left the question of succession open.^[25] Combatants First French Empire Kingdom of Italy Kingdom of Naples Duchy of Warsaw Confederation of the Rhine Kingdom of Bavaria Kingdom of Saxony Kingdom of Westphalia Swiss Confederation Austrian Empire Kingdom of Prussia Russian Empire Commanders Napoleon Eugène de Beauharnais Jérôme Bonaparte Jaques MacDonald Prince Schwarzenberg Alexander...

Dovber Schneuri

Schneuri moved with the followers who preferred him to the small border town of Lyubavichi. He established a Yeshiva in Lubavitch, one of the earliest Hasidic yeshivas.^[25] Lyubavichi or Lubavichi (Russian: , Yiddish: Lubavitch, Lubavich) is a village in Rudnyansky District, Smolensk Oblast, Russia. ...

Like his father he was the subject of an arrest in 1828. DovBer began a campaign (in 1822, or 1823) to urge Jews to learn trades and skilled factory work. He continued in his father's philosophical path, encouraging the study of kabbalah alongside traditional halachic texts. He served as the Rebbe for 15 years dying in 1827. This article is about traditional Jewish Kabbalah. ...

Menachem Mendel Schneersohn

Menachem Mendel Schneersohn the grandson of the Alter Rebbe through a daughter, born in 1789, married a cousin, daughter of Dovber as became a prime candidate for succession on Dovber's death. Other candidates included Menachem-Nachum Schneuri son of Dovber, and Chaim-Avraham Boruchovitch son-in-law of Schneur Zalman.^[25] He took over as Rebbe in 1831 after a 3 year succession struggle,^[25] becoming known as the Tzemach Tzedek after his magnum opus. He was active in the dispute between the Haskalah (enlightenment Jews) and their opponents. he served as Rebbe for 25 years before dying in 1866. Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (or Menachem Mendel or Tzemach Tzedek) (1789 - 1866) was an Orthodox Jewish rabbi of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement that was based in the town of Lubavitch in present-day Belarus. ... Shneur Zalman of Liadi ‏שניאור זלמן מליאדי‎ (1745-09-04 - 1812-12-15 OS), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ... Haskalah (Hebrew: השכלה; enlightenment, education from sekhel intellect, mind ), the Jewish Enlightenment, was a movement among European Jews in the late 18th century that advocated adopting enlightenment values, pressing for better integration into European society, and increasing education in secular studies, Hebrew, and Jewish history. ...

Shmuel Schneersohn

Shmuel Schneersohn, the seventh son of Menachem Mendel, he took from his father following his death and served as Rebbe of the movement until his own death in 1882. As a leader of a prominent Hasidic grouping he became active in fighting Anti-Semitic decrees and pogroms in Russia and beyond. He traveled widely to places such as St. Petersburg, Kiev, France and Germany to this end. Shmuel Schneersohn (or Rabbi Shmuel or Maharash) (1834–1882), was an Orthodox rabbi. ... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and... Map of Ukraine with Kiev highlighted Coordinates: , Country Ukraine Oblast Kiev City Municipality Raion Municipality Government  - Mayor Leonid Chernovetskyi Elevation 179 m (587 ft) Population (2006)  - City 4,450,968  - Density 3,299/km² (8,544. ...

Sholom Dovber Schneersohn

Sholom Dovber Schneersohn, as the younger son of Shmuel Schneersohn, was not expected to succeed his father, his brother Zalman Aharon being the heir presumptive.^[25] Sholom Dovber rose to prominence interceding on behalf of the Jews in a number of issues including the May Laws, and was selected as Rebbe in 1892. In 1897 he established the Tomchei Temimim yeshiva. Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (or Sholom Dovber or Rashab) (1860 - 1920) was an Orthodox rabbi and the fifth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Judaism movement. ... On May 15, 1882, Tsar Alexander III of Russia introduced the so-called Temporary laws which stayed in effect for more than thirty years and came to be known as the May Laws. ... Tomchei Temimim is the central Yeshiva (Talmudical school) of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic movement. ...

He was a fierce critic of secular Zionism and a proponent of Jews taking on factory work and farming. He kept the Lubavitch movement out of the World Agudath Israel when it formed in 1912. He died in 1920, after 30 years of stewardship of Lubavitch. World Agudath Israel (The World Israeli Union) was established in the early twentieth century as the political arm of Ashkenazi Torah Judaism. ...

Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn

Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, only son of Sholom Dovber took charge of the movement on the death of his father and led it until his death in 1950. He fought the Bolsheviks attempting to preserve Jewish life in Russia. In 1927 he was arrested and imprisoned in the Spalerno prison in Leningrad, and sentenced to death for spreading Judaism. After international protests his life was spared and he went on a world tour in the early 1930s. He returned to Warsaw in 1934, disillusioned with the secularism of the United States. He stayed in Warsaw with his Hasidim through 1940 and the capture of the city by the Nazis. A desperate struggle to save his life ensued. Ultimately he was granted diplomatic immunity, and arrived in New York in March 1940,^[26] reputedly with the help of Admiral Wilhelm Canaris.^[27] Most of the Chabad Yeshiva system was destroyed by Bolshevik governments and the Nazi invasion in 1941, and many of its students were killed. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok (Joseph Isaac)[1] Schneersohn (1880 - 1950) was an Orthodox rabbi and the sixth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ... For other uses, see Warsaw (disambiguation) and Warszawa (disambiguation). ... The Nazi party used a right-facing swastika as their symbol and the red and black colors were said to represent Blut und Boden (blood and soil). ... This article is about the state. ... Wilhelm Franz Canaris (January 1, 1887 – April 9, 1945) was a German admiral and head of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence service, from 1935 to 1944. ... For other uses, see Bolshevik (disambiguation). ... National Socialism redirects here. ... For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ...

His ten years in New York saw the seeds of Lubavitch emissary work, and its messianic drive that was later taken on by his son-in-law and successor Menachem Mendel Schneerson. In 1948, on his instruction Kfar Chabad was established in Israel. For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... Kfar Chabad is a Chabad-Lubavitch community of about 400 families located near Tel Aviv. ...

Menachem Mendel Schneerson

On Menachem Mendel Schneerson's accession to the post of Rebbe, a year after his father-in-law's death he began turning the movement into a powerful force in Jewish life. His policies led to the establishment of Chabad institutions in over 900 cities around the world. He inspired many of his followers to dedicate their life's work to Chabad by talking of the impending messianic redemption.^[25] For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ...

Since Schneerson's death

Chabad continues to thrive although the Rebbe left no successor.^[28] As of 2007 there are 3,300 Chabad institutions around the world.^[29] As of 2006 there were Chabad centers in 70 countries.^[30]

Current activities

Chabad is one of the largest groups of Hasidim; it is considered today to be one of the most successful Jewish movements of today.^[31] This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ...

Emissaries

Main article: Shliach

Group Photo of Chabad-Lubavitch Shluchim (emissaries)

Following the initiative of the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson spurred on the movement to what has become known as shlichus ("being emissaries [performing outreach]") after becoming Rebbe in 1950-1951. As a result, Chabad shluchim ("emissaries", sing. shliach) have moved all over the world with the stated mission of helping all Jews, regardless of denomination or affiliation. They assist Jews with all their religious needs, as well as with physical assistance and spiritual guidance and teaching. The ultimate goal is to encourage Jews to learn more about their Jewish heritage and to practice Judaism.^[32] Shaliach (Hebrew: שָלִיחַ; plural שְלִיחִים, shlichim or Shliach plural Shluchim), in Judaism, is the concept of an emissary. ... Image File history File links Chabad_shluchim. ... Image File history File links Chabad_shluchim. ... Shaliach (שליח) is Hebrew for emissary. ... Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok (Joseph Isaac)[1] Schneersohn (1880 - 1950) was an Orthodox rabbi and the sixth Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad Lubavitch chasidic movement. ... Shaliach (Hebrew: שָלִיחַ; plural שְלִיחִים, shlichim or Shliach plural Shluchim), in Judaism, is the concept of an emissary. ...

The movement, motivated by Rabbi Schneerson, trained and ordained thousands of rabbis, educators, ritual slaughterers, and ritual circumcisers, who are then accompanied by their spouses to many locations around the world. Typically a young Lubavitch rabbi and his wife, in their early twenties, with one or two children, will move to a new location, and as they settle in will raise a large family who as a family unit, will aim to fulfill their mandate of bringing Jewish people closer to Orthodox Judaism and encouraging gentiles to adhere to the Seven Laws of Noah. They will carefully seek out and search for and recruit Jews they have identified and contact them and start the process of encouraging them to observe Judaism, encourage Jews to strengthen their commitment to Judaism.^[33] All over the world Lubavitchers (including those not formally in the position of emissaries) assist and support the religious needs of hundreds of thousands of Jews. Semicha (Hebrew: ‎, leaning [of the hands]), also semichut (Hebrew: ‎, ordination), or semicha lerabbanut (Hebrew: ‎, rabbinical ordination) is derived from a Hebrew word which means to rely on or to be authorized. It generally refers to the ordination of a rabbi within Judaism. ... For the town in Italy, see Rabbi, Italy. ... A mohel (מוהל also moel) is a Jewish ritual circumciser who performs a brit milah ritual circumcision on the penis of a male who is to enter the Jewish covenant. ... The Rainbow is the modern symbol of the Noahide Movement reminiscing the rainbow that appeared after the Great Flood of the Bible. ...

Chabad Houses

Main article: Chabad House

A Chabad House or Center is a form of Jewish community center under their own religious auspices, often serving as the nerve center of all the educational and outreach activities of a shliach (emissary) rabbi and his colleagues or allies in any given community. Often until the community can support the building of its own building for a Chabad house, the "Chabad House" is located in the shliach's home, with the living room being used as the "synagogue". The term "Chabad House" originated in California with the creation of the first such outreach center on the campus of UCLA by Rabbi Shlomo Cunin.^{[citation needed]} A Chabad House is a centre for disseminating Orthodox Judaism by the Chabad movement. ... A Jewish Community Center is a general recreational, social and fraternal organization serving the Jewish community in a number of cities. ... A synagogue (from , transliterated synagogÄ“, assembly; beit knesset, house of assembly; or beit tefila, house of prayer, shul; , esnoga) is a Jewish house of worship. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... Binomial name Ucla xenogrammus Holleman, 1993 The largemouth triplefin, Ucla xenogrammus, is a fish of the family Tripterygiidae and only member of the genus Ucla, found in the Pacific Ocean from Viet Nam, the Philippines, Palau and the Caroline Islands to Papua New Guinea, Australia (including Christmas Island), and the... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...

As of 2007 there are 3,300 Chabad institutions around the world.^[29]

Outreach activities

Mitzvah campaigns

Main article: Mitzvah campaigns

Chabad aims to attract non-Orthodox Jews to become Orthodox, and believes this is part of the process of bringing the Messiah. This practice is called "mivtzoim" - meaning "campaigns" or "endeavors." At one time, Schneerson issued a call to every Jew: "Even if you are not fully committed to a Torah life, do something. Begin with a mitzvah - any mitzvah - its value will not be diminished by the fact that there are others which you are not prepared to do". Schneerson also suggested ten specific mitzvot that he believed were ideally suited for the emissaries to introduce to non-observant Jews.^{[citation needed]} These were: lighting candles before Shabbat and the Jewish holidays by Jewish women; putting on tefillin; affixing a mezuzah; regular Torah study; giving charity; purchasing Jewish books; keeping kosher; kindness to others; Jewish education, and keeping the family purity laws. Mitzvah Campaigns, or Mitvtzoim (Heb. ... In Judaism and Jewish eschatology, the Messiah (Hebrew: משיח; Mashiah, Mashiach, or Moshiach, anointed [one]) is a term traditionally referring to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed (the meaning of the Hebrew word משיח) with holy anointing oil and inducted to rule the Jewish people during... This article is about commandments in Judaism. ... For other uses, see Sabbath. ... A Jewish holiday or Jewish Festival is a day or series of days observed by Jews as holy or secular commemorations of important events in Jewish history. ... Tefillin (Hebrew: תפלין), also called phylacteries, are two boxes containing Biblical verses and the leather straps attached to them which are used in traditional Jewish prayer. ... Mezuzah (IPA: ) (Heb. ... Torah study is the study by Jews of the Torah, Tanakh, Talmud, responsa, rabbinic literature and similar works, all of which are Judaisms religious texts, for the purpose of the mitzvah (commandment) of Torah study itself, meaning study for religious (as opposed to academic) purposes. ... The circled U indicates that this product is certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU). ... Niddah (or nidah, nidda, nida; Hebrew:נִדָּה) is a Hebrew term which literally means separation, generally considered to refer to separation from ritual impurity[1]; Ibn Ezra argues that it is related to the term menaddekem, meaning cast you out[2]. The term niddah appears in the biblical description of the...

In addition, Schneerson emphasized spreading awareness of preparing for and the coming of the Jewish messiah, in line with his philosophy. He wrote on the responsibility to reach out to teach every fellow Jew with love, and implored that all Jews believe in the imminent coming of the Messiah as explained by Maimonides. He argued that redemption was predicated on Jews doing good deeds, and that gentiles shoud be educated about the Noahide Laws. Chabad has been a prime force in the dissemination of awareness of these laws. In Judaism and Jewish eschatology, the Messiah (Hebrew: משיח; Mashiah, Mashiach, or Moshiach, anointed [one]) is a term traditionally referring to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed (the meaning of the Hebrew word משיח) with holy anointing oil and inducted to rule the Jewish people during... Commonly used image indicating one artists conception of Maimonidess appearance Maimonides (March 30, 1135 or 1138–December 13, 1204) was a Jewish rabbi, physician, and philosopher in Spain, Morocco and Egypt during the Middle Ages. ... The Rainbow is the ancient symbol of the Noahide Movement reminiscing the seven coloured rainbow that appeared after the Great Flood of the Bible. ...

He was emphatic about the need to encourage and provide strong education for every child, Jew and non-Jew alike.

He was politically right-wing, particularly in regard to the Israeli-Arab conflict. He vehemently opposed even discussion concerning concession of territories in the Land of Israel, or what he saw as otherwise strategically vital territories to Jews, even if technically outside the biblical borders of The Land. Quoting Jewish law, he maintained that such concessions endanger the lives of all the Jews in the Land of Israel. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Kingdom of Israel: Early ancient historical Israel — land in pink is the approximate area under direct central royal administration during the United Monarchy. ...

Camps

Main article: Gan Israel Camping Network

Chabad has set up an extensive network of camps around the world, most using the name Gan Israel, a name chosen by Rabbi Schneerson for the first overnight camp. There are 1,200 sites serving 210,000 children—most of whom do not come from Orthodox homes. Of these, 500 camps are in the United States.^[34] GAN ISRAEL CAMPING NETWORK There are hundreds of them around the world, with tens of thousands of campers. ... GAN ISRAEL CAMPING NETWORK There are hundreds of them around the world, with tens of thousands of campers. ... Orthodox Judaism is the formulation of Judaism that adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonised in the Talmudic texts (Oral Torah) and as subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim. ...

Campus

Main article: Chabad on Campus Foundation

In recent years Chabad has greatly expanded its reach on university and college campuses. Chabad Student Centers are active on over 100 campuses, and Chabad offers varied activities at an additional 150 universities worldwide.^[35] Professor Alan Dershowitz has said that "Chabad’s presence on college campuses today is absolutely crucial", and "We cannot rest until Chabad is on every major college campus in the world".^[36]-1... For the community in Florida, see University, Florida. ... College (Latin collegium) is a term most often used today to denote an educational institution. ... Alan Morton Dershowitz (born September 1, 1938) is an American lawyer and criminal law professor known for his extensive published works, career as an attorney in several high-profile law cases, and commentary on the Arab-Israeli conflict. ...

Publishing

Main article: Kehot Publication Society

Distribution of Jewish religious literature. Kehot Publication Society (the Chabad publishing house) has promoted this by translating books into 12 languages, giving discounts and hosting book-a-thon's. The logo of Kehot Publication Society. ... The logo of Kehot Publication Society. ...

Fundraising

Funds for activities of a Chabad center rely entirely on the local community. Chabad centers do not receive funding from Lubavitch headquarters. For the day to day operations, local emissaries do all the fundraising by themselves. The monies fundraised in the local community is invested in that local community. The emissary takes a minimum salary and seldom goes on vacation. Sue Fishcoff writes:

Influence

Chabad pioneered the post-World War II outreach movement which spread Judaism to many assimilated Jews worldwide, leading to a substantial number of baalei teshuva ("returnees" to Judaism). The very first Yeshiva/Rabbinical College for such "baalei teshuva", Hadar Hatorah was established by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Chabad was also one of the first Jewish outreach organizations to use the World Wide Web as an outreach tool.^[38] Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson giving a class in Hadar Hatorah in 1962 Yeshiva Hadar Hatorah is the worlds first Baal Teshuva Yeshiva For men rediscovering their Jewish roots. ... WWWs historical logo designed by Robert Cailliau The World Wide Web (commonly shortened to the Web) is a system of interlinked, hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. ...

Chabad has had a notable influence on Jewish entertainment. Singing Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach began his outreach work as a representative of Chabad (he later moved away from the formal movement) and popular singers such as Avraham Fried and reggae artist Matisyahu attract sizable crowds on their tours and have popularized many melodies for various Jewish occasions. However, of all Chabad-affiliated entertainers, only Avraham Fried managed to attract large numbers of non-Chabad Haredim. For the town in Italy, see Rabbi, Italy. ... A cover of a Carlebach record Shlomo Carlebach (שלמה קרליבך) (known as Reb Shlomo to his followers) (1925 - October 22, 1994), was a Jewish religious singer, composer, and self-styled rebbe who was known as the singing rabbi in his lifetime. ... Avraham Fried, World renowned Chassidic musician. ... Matisyahu redirects here. ...

Chabad's ideology, according to some scholars, has dramatically influenced non-Hasidic Jews' practice as well, specifically with regard to Jewish outreach issues.^[39]

Customs

Chabad has specific minhagim ("customs") that distinguish it from other Hasidic groups. For example, they do not wear the fur hats common among other hasidim. Until the 1950s, most wore the Russian kasket; now most wear a black fedora. Almost all American Chabad Hasidim pronounce Hebrew according to the Lithuanian dialect. However, many native Israeli Chabad Hasidim pronounce Hebrew according to the Modern Israeli Hebrew dialect. Like many other Hasidic groups, Chabad attaches importance to singing Hasidic nigunim ("tunes"), usually without words, and following precise customs of their leaders.^[40][41] Minhag (Hebrew: מנהג Custom, pl. ... Rabbi DovBer Chein, wearing a kasket. ... A fedora, which in this case has been pinched at the front and being worn pushed back on the head, with the front of the brim bent down over the eyes. ... “Hebrew” redirects here. ... Nigun (pl. ...

Controversies

Main article: Controversies of Chabad

Chabad-Lubavitch is a branch of Hasidism. Its founder Shneur Zalman of Liadi was arrested by the Russians on trumped up charges of treason, but later cleared and released. He opposed the Napoleonic emancipation of the Jews. Main article: Chabad Chabad-Lubavitch is a branch of Hasidism. ... Hasidic Judaism (Hebrew: Chasidut חסידות) is a Haredi Jewish religious movement. ... Shneur Zalman of Liadi (‎) (September 4, 1745 – December 15, 1812 O.S.), was an Orthodox Rabbi, and the founder and first Rebbe of Chabad, a branch of Hasidic Judaism, then based in Liadi, Imperial Russia. ...

The response of the sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, to the Holocaust has been condemned from a number of quarters.

Some interpretations of its seventh leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's theology has been controversial and were criticised heavily by Rabbi Elazar Shach. For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... Elazar Menachem Man Shach (אלעזר מנחם מן שך) (or Rav Leizer Shach, at times his name is written as Eliezer Schach in English publications) (January 22, 1898 - November 2, 2001), was a leading Haredi rabbi in modern Israel. ...

Since his death in 1994, and the decision not to appoint a successor, the contested control over the headquarters in Brooklyn has led to some friction within the Chabad community. This article is about the borough of New York City. ...

Messianism

Main article: Chabad messianism

Menachem Mendel Schneerson placed emphasis on a basic principle of Judaism: to believe in the Messiah. Schneerson constantly expressed his yearning for his imminent arrival and emphasized the words of Maimonides, that every good deed that an individual does can have a dramatic effect on the good of the world. Schneerson viewed that in every detail of this world, there exists good. He was empassioned that the entire world should be a world of good.^[42] Chabad messianism[1] is a term used to describe the beliefs of many followers of Chabad who believe that their late leader Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson will be the Messiah. ... In Judaism and Jewish eschatology, the Messiah (Hebrew: משיח; Mashiah, Mashiach, or Moshiach, anointed [one]) is a term traditionally referring to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed (the meaning of the Hebrew word משיח) with holy anointing oil and inducted to rule the Jewish people during... Commonly used image indicating one artists conception of Maimonidess appearance Maimonides (March 30, 1135 or 1138–December 13, 1204) was a Jewish rabbi, physician, and philosopher in Spain, Morocco and Egypt during the Middle Ages. ...

Chabad messianism is a term used to describe the beliefs of some Chabad followers who believe that their late leader Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson will be the Messiah. Adherents to this belief are termed Meshichist in Yinglish. For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... In Jewish messianism and eschatology, the Messiah (Hebrew: משיח; Mashiah, Mashiach, or Moshiach, anointed [one]) is a term traditionally referring to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed (the meaning of the Hebrew word משיח) with holy anointing oil and inducted to rule the Jewish people during... Yinglish words are neologisms created by speakers of Yiddish in English-speaking countries, sometimes to describe things that were uncommon in the old country. ...

Neither Chabad headquarters nor Chabad centers around the world publish literature that proclaims the Rebbe as the Messiah, or that tries to persuade the general public that the Rebbe is the Messiah;^[43] but such literature is published and distributed by people who hold that belief. Chabad-Lubavitch leaders have repeatedly condemned the Meshichists in the strongest possible terms.^[44]

Naming

In the seminal Hasidic work, Tanya, Rabbi Shneur Zalman defines "Chabad Hasidism" as "מוח שליט על הלב" ("mind ruling over the heart/emotions").^[45] Chabad Chasidism considers this emphasis to make it fundamentally different from other forms of Hasidism, which are referred to as "Chagas";^[46] this acronym refers to the emotional attributes of Chesed ("kindness"), Gevurah ("power"), and Tifereth ("beauty"), and implies that relatively speaking other Chasidic groups place a lesser emphasis on intellectual comprehension of Chasidic philosophy than that found in Chabad teaching. Note: Tanya Rabbati, a 16th century Italian code of Jewish law, is an unrelated work with a similar name. ...

Chabad

Chabad is sometimes written as Habad in English and in all the phonetic equivalents of the name in all the countries they operate in. Thus, as an example, Jabad is the Spanish form, particularly important to the Jews of Latin America, most notably Argentina, which has the largest concentration of Spanish-speaking Jews anywhere in the world and therefore has a large Lubavitch presence as well. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Phonetic (pho-NET-ic) is a nationwide voicemail-to-text messaging service available for most digital mobile phones in which a subscriber is provided a custom voice mailbox for the purpose of receiving all incoming voice messages as actual transcribed text for reading via short messaging (also known as SMS... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

Lubavitch

Lubavitch is a small town now in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, (then Imperial Russia). The name of the town means "city of love,"^[47] and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson taught that this name symbolises the warm, loving approach of the movement.^[48] The movement was founded in Liozna, and then moved to Liadi, but it moved to Lubavitch after the Napoleonic War, and was based there for 102 years. In Hasidic Judaism, a dynasty normally takes its name from the town in Eastern Europe where it was based. Imperial Russia is the term used to cover the period of history from the expansion of Russia under Peter the Great, through the expansion of the Russian Empire from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, to the deposal of Nicholas II of Russia, the last tsar, at the start... Liozna or Liozno (Belarusian: , Russian: ) is an urban type settlement in Vitsebsk Voblast, Belarus, the capital of the Liozno District. ... Lyady, Liady, or Liadi may refer to one of the following settlements: Lyady, Smolevichi District, Smolevichi District, Minsk Voblast, Belarus [1] Lyady, Zhlobin District, Zhlobin District, Homiel Voblast, Belarus [2] Lyady, Dubrovno District, Dubrovno District, Vitsebsk Voblast, Belarus [3] [4], associated with life of Shneur Zalman of Liadi Lyady, Pskov... This article is about the Hasidic movement originating in Poland and Russia. ... Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current national boundaries: Russia (dark orange), other countries of the former USSR (medium orange),members of the Warsaw pact (light orange), and other former Communist regimes not aligned with Moscow (lightest orange). ...

Citations and notes

The logo of Kehot Publication Society. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Further reading

• Feldman, Jan L. Lubavitchers As Citizens: A Paradox of Liberal Democracy, Cornell University Press, 2003 (ISBN 0-8014-4073-4)
• A Faith Grows in Brooklyn, photographs and text by Carolyn Drake. National Geographic February, 2006. For the online version click here..
• Fishkoff, Sue. The Rebbe's Army: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch, Schocken, 2003 (ISBN 0-8052-4189-2)
• Hoffman, Edward. Despite All Odds: The Story of Lubavitch. Simon & Schuster, 1991 (ISBN 0-671-67703-9)
• Jacobson, Simon. Toward A Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Rebbe, William Morrow, 2002 (ISBN 0-06-051190-7)
• Ehrlich, Avrum M. Leadership in the Habad Movement: a Critical Evaluation of Habad Leadership, History, and Succession, Jason Aronson, 2000. (ISBN 076576055X)
• Lessons in Tanya chabad.org
• Mindel, Nissan. The philosophy of Chabad. Chabad Research Center, 1973
• Schneerson, Menachem Mendel. On the Essence of Chasidus: A Chasidic Discourse by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of Chabad-Lubavitch. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2003 (ISBN 0-8266-0466-8)
• Weiss, Steven I. "Orthodox Rethinking Campus Outreach", The Forward Jan. 20, 2006.

For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ...

See also

• Hassidic Judaism
• Menachem Mendel Schneerson
• Baal Shem Tov
• Hasidic philosophy

Hasidic Judaism (Hebrew: Chasidut חסידות) is a Haredi Jewish religious movement. ... For the third Rebbe of the Chabad Lubavitch dynasty see Menachem Mendel Schneersohn Menachem Mendel Schneerson (April 18, 1902 – June 12, 1994), known as The Rebbe[1], was a prominent Hasidic[2] rabbi who was the seventh (and to date, final) Rebbe (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. ... This article incorporates text from the public domain 1901-1906 Jewish Encyclopedia Israel ben Eliezer Rabbi Israel (Yisroel) ben Eliezer (about 1700 Okopy Świętej Tr jcy - May 22, 1760 Międzyborz) was a Jewish Orthodox mystical rabbi who is better known to most religious Jews as... Hasidic Philosophy or Chassidic philosophy (Hebrew: חסידות, also Hassidism, Chassidus or Chassidut or Chasidut) is the teachings and philosophy underlying Hasidic Judaism. ...

External links

• Chabad Lubavitch official website
• Chabad Lubavitch on the web
  • About Chabad-Lubavitch
  • Global Chabad-Lubavitch Centers and Institutions Directory
  • Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbes (leaders)
• Chabad on Campus
• The philosophy behind Chabad's outreach.
• Virtual library of Chabad books in Hebrew
• Lubavitch Archives - Chabad history on the web

News sites

• Official Lubavitch News Service
• Official Chabad News and Events Chabad.org