A dynamic Orthodox Jewish Hasidic movement known for its outreach and educational activities worldwide.
Chabad Lubavitch, also known as Lubavitch, Habad, and Chabad-Lubavitch, is an Orthodox Jewish Hasidic dynasty recognized as one of the world’s best-known Hasidic movements and one of the largest Jewish religious organizations globally. Founded in 1775 by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi in what is now Belarus, Chabad stands out for its intellectual approach to Jewish mysticism, emphasizing the mind’s role over emotions in spiritual life. The name “Chabad” is an acronym for Chokhmah, Binah, and Da’at (Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge), reflecting the movement’s focus on the intellectual underpinnings of faith.
History and Growth
The movement’s foundation traces back to Rabbi Shneur Zalman’s teachings, who was a disciple of Dov Ber of Mezeritch, the Maggid of Mezeritch, and through him, a spiritual descendant of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism. After Shneur Zalman’s passing, leadership passed through his descendants, with the movement eventually relocating its center to the town of Lubavitch in Russia, where it remained for about a century.
The sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, moved Chabad’s center to Poland and then, following the outbreak of World War II, to the United States. Under the leadership of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe, from 1951 to 1994, Chabad Lubavitch transformed into a global Jewish movement, establishing a wide network of institutions aimed at Jewish education, outreach, and humanitarian aid.
Philosophy and Practices
Chabad Lubavitch is known for its unique approach to Hasidism, blending intellectual rigor with deep mystical spirituality. This approach is evident in the Tanya, the foundational work of Chabad philosophy authored by Shneur Zalman, emphasizing the importance of the intellect in spiritual life and the subjugation of the heart to the mind.
The movement’s practices are largely consistent with Orthodox Judaism, though it incorporates distinctive customs, such as the wearing of fedoras by men instead of the fur-lined hats common in other Hasidic groups and the observance of unique holidays related to the movement’s history.
Global Impact and Activities
Today, Chabad Lubavitch operates thousands of centers worldwide, offering Jewish educational, religious, and social services. It is particularly noted for its outreach efforts to unaffiliated and secularized Jews, aiming to reconnect them with their Jewish heritage. The movement runs one of the largest Orthodox publishing houses, international youth groups, and a vast array of educational institutions, including nearly 300 Chabad on Campus centers serving Jewish students in American colleges and universities.
Despite the passing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in 1994 without appointing a successor, the movement continues to thrive, guided by his teachings and the network of emissaries and institutions he established. Chabad’s extensive online presence, notably through Chabad.org, reaches millions annually, furthering its mission of promoting Jewish learning and observance.
Controversies and Modern Challenges
The belief among some Chabad adherents in Rabbi Schneerson as the Messiah has been a source of controversy and debate both within and outside the Chabad movement. However, this has not deterred its growth or the global impact of its religious and humanitarian activities.
image via My Jewish Learning
