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{{Chabad}}
{{dablink|For other uses, see [[Chabad (disambiguation)]].}}
'''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, especially in the United States, the Former Soviet Union, Europe and [[Israel]]. Chabad (חב"ד ) is a [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] [[Acronym and initialism|acronym]] for "'''ח'''כמה [[Chokhmah (Kabbalah)|Chochmah]], '''ב'''ינה [[Binah]], '''ד'''עת [[Da'at]]" ("[[Wisdom]], Understanding, [[Knowledge]]").<ref>[http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=36226 About Chabad-Lubavitch on Chabad.org]</ref> Lubavitch, taken from the [[Russian language|Russian]] Любавичи, [[Lyubavichi]], is the name of the town that served as the movement's headquarters for over a century. In 1993 there were over 200,000 adherents to the movement<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_303.html Wertheimer, Jack. A People Divided: Judaism in Contemporary America. New York: Basic Books (A Division of Harper Collins) (1993); pg. xiv-xv]</ref> some estimate today that there are over a million.<ref>Slater, Elinor and Robert, ''Great Jewish Men'', Jonathan David Publishers 1996 (ISBN 08246 03818). Page 279.</ref>
Its adherents, known as "Lubavitchers", or "Chabadniks", are [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[Jew]]s 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 on the earlier [[Kabbalah|Kabbalistic]] works of Rabbi [[Isaac Luria]] (1534-1572).
Founded by Rabbi [[Shneur Zalman of Liadi]] in the late [[18th century]], it has had seven leaders or ''[[rebbe]]s''. Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneerson]] (1902-1994) succeeded his father-in-law, Rabbi [[Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn]] (1880-1950), becoming the seventh leader of the movement.
Chabad is known today for its centers around the world. Each center is called a Chabad House, which is a Jewish community center that provides educational and outreach activities serving the needs of the entire Jewish community, regardless of degree of observance.<ref>[http://www.chabad.org/global/about/article.asp?AID=244374 The Chabad House]</ref> Each center is a cozy and informal place to learn about and observe Judaism,<ref> The New York Times, December 16, 2005.</ref> and provides an atmosphere such that all Jews feel comfortable at Chabad events.<ref> Passover Seders, Around the World, ‘’The Associated Press’’, March 19, 2007</ref>
==Philosophy of Chabad==
[[Image:Schneur Zalman of Liadi.jpg|thumb|left|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, created 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 the Creator, 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.<ref name=" Encyclopedia Shneur"> Stroll, Avrum, ‘Encyclopedia Judaica’’, Second Edition, Volume 18 pages 503-505 (ISBN 00286-59287).</ref>
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 the creator. Through the intellectual approach and meditations, Chabad teaches that one can attain complete control over their deeds.<ref name="Encyclopedia Shneur"/>
Chabad thought teaches that while the feelings of the heart are important, they only last for a short while, through the mind one could retain the hearts feelings. One can control their heart, their lust and desires, through the mind, and steer the heart in the desired direction.<ref name="WeinerMystics">Weiner, Hebert, ‘’9 1/2 Mystics’’ (ISBN 00206-81607).</ref>
==
Chabad’s Hebrew initials are formulated from the first three kabbalistic scheme of the world, the ten [[Sefirot]]. They are [[Chochmah]], [[Binah (Kabbalah)|Binah]] and [[Da'at (Kabbalah)|Daat]] translated as Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge. Chabad teaches that these three are a progressive in the divine creation of the world and in the psyche of the individual person. Wisdom is the initial birth of the wisdom in the mind, Understanding is the details of the creation and the working in thought of the idea and Knowledge is the taking of the idea and creating actual world and the taking of the thought and applying it to one’s life. ."<ref name="sacks">''The Encyclopedia of Hasidism'', entry: Habad, Jonathan Sacks, pp.161-164 (15682-11236)</ref>
According to the Chief Rabbi [[Jonathan Sacks]], this provided a psychological formulation that enabled the individual to substantiate his mystical thoughts. This was an important advance because bridging the gap between spiritual insight and the individual’s daily behavior.<ref name="sacks"/>
===The
The ''[[Tanya]]'', Rabbi Shneur Zalman's moral magnum opus, is the first schematic treatment of Hasidic moral philosophy and its metaphysical foundations.<ref name="sacks"/> The original name of the book is ''Sefer Shel Beinonim'', the "Book of the Intermediates." It is also known as "Likutei Amarim"--"Collected Sayings." The book 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.<ref name="sacks tanya">''The Encyclopedia of Hasidism'', entry: Tanya, Jonathan Sacks, pp. 475-477 (15682-11236)</ref> The entire work is available online in English translation on [www.Chabad.org].
===Torah study===
Rabbi Shneur Zalman raged against the perception of misnagdim that Hasidim neglect Talmudic study by focusing too heavily on mysticism and obscurantism. He emphasized that mysticism without Talmudic study was worthless - even dangerous.<ref name="masters">''Hasidism: The movement and its masters'', Harry M. Rabinowicz, 1988, pp.83-92, Jason Aronson, London ISBN 0876689985</ref> Without Talmudic study, he argued, the mind could never be elevated - if the mind is not elevated the [[soul]] will starve. On the other hand, he argued that while Torah was to be focus of all study, it was also important to integrate Torah into one's life. In a letter to Rabbi Joshua Zeitin of Shklow: "The hasidim, too, set aside time for study. The difference between them and the mitnagdim is this: the latter set time for study and they are limited by time, whereas the former make the Torah their path of life."<ref name="masters"/> With
Torah must be studied joyously though - studying without joy is frowned upon. Shneur Zalman 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 renewed Hasidism, returning it to a focus on traditional Jewish scholarship rather than mysticism, he was emphatic that this must be done with the zeal and joy that Hasidism brought to Judaism.<ref name="masters"/>
===Role of a Rebbe===
In Chabad thought, as formulated by the ''[[Alter Rebbe]]'' the rebbe was not an intermediary. The role of the rebbe was closer to that of a traditional community Rabbi, a supervisor rather than a superior. The ''Alter Rebbe's'' focus was on training his followers to become spiritually self-sufficient and to turn to their Rebbe for instructions rather than intercession with God, miracles or blessings.<ref name="masters"/>
Hasidic thought had elevated the rebbe to a level above that of typical hasid. 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.<ref name="sacks"/> 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."<ref name="sacks"/>
==
Chassidism in general demands that a Chasid disseminate Torah and Judaism to his surroundings and seek out the benefit of his fellow Jew. In the words of Rabbi [[Sholom Dovber Schneersohn]]: ''A Chasid is he who surrenders himself for the benefit of another.''<ref> Sefer Hasichos 5700 p. 33</ref> Over and beyond that, Chabad demands ''pnimiyut'' (inwardness): one should not act superficially, as a mere act of faith, but rather with inner conviction, with the soul faculties of ''Chabad''. One must involve the physical faculties of the animal soul, and even the physical brain of the body. This is the mystical concept of "the divine soul entering the physical body".<ref>''The Mystical Dimension'' v.3 by Jacob Emanuel Schochet. [[Kehot Publication Society]] 1995 p.198.(ISBN 0826605303)</ref>
===M. M. Schneerson's philosophy===
Schneerson looked to attain unity between opposites. He saw the world that we lived in and wanted to unite the world with what he perceived as Godliness. Schneerson emphasized the concept of creating an abode for God on this world. He sought to unite modern world with the teachings of Judaism. He felt that the world was not a contradiction to the word of God.<ref name="WeinerMystics"/>
Schneerson taught that modern technology was not a contradiction to spirituality. For that reason Chabad has been on the forefront of using modern technology to spread Judaism and Jewish thought. It was in this vein that Lubavitchers have been known to use the radio, television, satellite feeds, and the internet to spread their message. <ref>{{cite book |last=Zaleski |first=Jeffrey P. |title=The Soul of Cyberspace: How New Technology Is Changing Our Spiritual Lives |year=1997 |month=June |publisher=Harpercollins |isbn=0062514512 |url=http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=335578 |accessdate=2007-04-07}}</ref>
==The Rebbes of Chabad==
[[Image:Image-RebbeRashab.jpg|[[Sholom Dovber Schneersohn]], the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe|right|thumb|150px]]
[[Image:Raytaz M'Lubavitch.jpg|[[Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn]], the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe|right|thumb|150px]]
[[Image:Rebbe.jpg|[[Menachem Mendel Schneerson]], the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe|right|thumb|150px]]
The movement originated in [[Belarus]] in [[Eastern Europe]], then part of [[Imperial Russia]] under the [[Tsar]]s. Chabad traces its roots back to the beginnings of [[Hasidic Judaism]]. The founder of [[Hasidic Judaism|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 [[Isaac Luria|Lurianic Kabbalah]] and developed the movement further.
*'''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 [[Halakha|Jewish law]] amongst hasidim. The names "Schneersohn" and "Schneerson" began as [[patronymic]]s 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.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} He was politically active in defending Jewish interests against antisemitic elements in the [[Tsar]]'s government.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
*'''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]]'''<ref>He dropped the second 'H' from his name.</ref> (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.
==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.<ref name="masters"/> 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. Some followers of Lubavitch consider their group to be the "true" Chabad movement, and the terms “Habad” and “Lubavitch” are now frequently used interchangeably both within the movement and without.<ref>''The Messiah of Brooklyn: Understanding Lubavitch Hasidim Past and Present'', M. Avrum Ehrlich, Introduction, KTAV Publishing, ISBN 0881258369</ref>
===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.<ref name="sacks"/> 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.<ref name="masters"/>
He was twice arrested by the Russian authorities of suspicion of sedition or spying<ref>''On learning Chassidus'', Brooklyn, 1959, p.24</ref> - the exact details remain contended to this day, although the accusations against him were certainly false.<ref>''Kerem Habad'', Kefar Habad, 1992, pp.17-21, 29-31 (Documents from the Prosecutor Generals archive in St. Petersburg</ref>
He supported the Tsar against Napoleon in [[French invasion of Russia (1812)]]<ref>''Should Napoleon be victorious...": Politics and Spirituality in Early Modern Jewish Messianism'', Hillel Levine, Jerusalem Studies in Jewish Thought 16-17, 2001</ref> arguing that the emancipation of the Jews would lead to laxity in observance.<ref>''Napoleon u-Tekufato'', Mevorach, pp.182-183</ref> His death in 1812, while fleeing from Napoleon left the question of succession open.<ref name="earl">''Leadership in the Chabad movement'', Avrum Erlich, Jason Aronson, 2000 ISBN 076576055X</ref>
===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.<ref name="earl"/>
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.
===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.<ref name="earl"/> He took over as Rebbe in 1831 after a 3 year succession struggle,<ref name="earl"/> 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.
===
[[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.
===
[[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.<ref name="earl"/> 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.
He was a fierce critic of 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.
===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,<ref>Altein, R, Zaklikofsky, E, Jacobson, I: "Out of the Inferno: The Efforts That Led to the Rescue of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch from War Torn Europe in 1939-40", page 270. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2002 ISBN 0826606830</ref> reputedly with the help of Admiral [[Wilhelm Canaris]].<ref>Altein, R, Zaklikofsky, E, Jacobson, I: "Out of the Inferno: The Efforts That Led to the Rescue of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Lubavitch from War Torn Europe in 1939-40", page 160. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2002 ISBN 0826606830</ref> Most of the Chabad Yeshiva system was destroyed by [[Bolshevik]] governments and the [[Nazi]] invasion in [[1941]], and many of its students were killed.
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]].
===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.<ref name="earl"/>
===Since Schneerson's death===
Chabad continues to thrive without Schneerson, who left no successor.<ref name="jewishweek20040618" /> As of 2007 there are 3,300 Chabad institutions around the world.<ref name="Gelbwasser">Gelbwasser, Michael, ''Sun Chronicle'', March 31, 2007</ref> As of 2006 there were Chabad centers in 70 countries.<ref name="drake">Drake, Carolyn, ''National Geographic Magazine'', February 2006</ref>
==Current activities==
Chabad is one of the largest groups of [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidim]], it is considered today to be one of the most successful Jewish movements of today.<ref>Medved, Michael, ''USA Today'', April 23, 2007.</ref>
===Emissaries===
{{main|Shaliach}} [[Image:Chabad shluchim.jpg|thumb|250px|Group Photo of '''Chabad-Lubavitch [[Shluchim]]''' (emissaries)]]
Following the initiative of the [[Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn|previous ''Rebbe'']], Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson spurred on the movement to what has become known as ''[[Shliach|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.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
The movement, motivated by Rabbi Schneerson, trained and [[Semicha|ordained]] thousands of [[rabbi]]s, educators, ritual slaughterers, and [[mohel|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.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} All over the world Lubavitchers assist and support the religious needs of tens of thousands of Jews.
===Chabad Houses===
{{main|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]].{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
As of 2007 there are 3,300 Chabad institutions around the world.<ref name="Gelbwasser" />.
===Outreach activities===
====Mitzvot campaigns====
Chabad is open to non-Orthodox Jews aiming to attract them to become Orthodox and believes this is part of the process to bring the ''[[Jewish Messiah|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 emmisiaries to first introduce to secular Jews.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} These were: lighting candles before [[Shabbat]] and the [[Jewish holiday]]s by Jewish women; putting on ''[[tefillin]]''; affixing a ''[[mezuzah]]''; regular ''[[Torah study]]''; giving charity; purchasing Jewish books; keeping [[kashrut|kosher]]; kindness to others; Jewish education and keeping the ''[[niddah|family purity]]'' laws
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 (love) every fellow Jew, and implored that followers 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.
He was emphatic about the need to encourage and provide strong education for every child
He was politically right-wing particularly in regard to the [[Israeli-Arab]] conflict. He argued that it was important to oppose even discussion concerning concession of territories in the [[Land of Israel]], or what he saw as otherwise strategically vital territories to Jews. He argued that such concessions endanger the lives of all the Jews in Israel.
====Camps====
{{main|Gan Israel Camping Network}}
Chabad has set up an extensive [[Gan Israel Camping Network|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.
====Campus====
{{main|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.<ref>[http://www.chabad.edu Directory of Chabad on Campus]</ref> 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".<ref>[http://www.oxfordchabad.org/templates/articlecco.html?AID=331005 Oxford Chabad website quoting Dershowitz]</ref>
====Publishing====
{{main|Kehot Publication Society}}
Distribution of Jewish religious literature. [[Kehot Publication Society]] (the Chabad publishing house) has promoted this by translating books into 12 languages and giving discounts.
===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:
{{cquote| Emissaries in the field may sink millions of dollars into their center, synagogues and Mikvahs, but their own homes are modest, again pattered after their Rebbe's lack of personal ostentation.<ref>Fishkoff, Sue, ‘’The Rebbe’s Army’’, Schoken books 2003 (ISBN 08052 11381) pages 160-161.</ref>}}
===Influence===
Chabad pioneered the post-[[World War II]] [[Baal teshuva|outreach]] movement which spread Judaism to many assimilated Jews worldwide, leading to a substantial number of [[Baal teshuva|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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Zaleski |first=Jeffrey P. |title=The Soul of Cyberspace: How New Technology Is Changing Our Spiritual Lives |year=1997 |month=June |publisher=Harpercollins |isbn=0062514512 |url=http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=335578 |accessdate=2007-04-07}}</ref>
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 (musician)|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.
Chabad's ideology, according to some scholars, has dramatically influenced non-Hasidic Jews' practice as well, specifically with regard to Jewish outreach issues.<ref>Weiss, Steven I. [http://www.forward.com/articles/orthodox-rethinking-campus-outreach-1/ "Orthodox Rethinking Campus Outreach"], ''The Jewish Daily Forward'', January 20, 2006. Accessed April 7, 2007</ref>
==Customs==
[[Image:Chabadnik in Kasket.jpg|right|thumb|Portrait of Rabbi Berke Chein, a [[Russia]]n-born Chabadnik, wearing a ''[[Kasket]]'' - a Russian cap, in front of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York.]]
Chabad has specific ''[[minhag]]im'' ("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 (hat)|fedora]]. Almost all American Chabad Hasidim pronounce Hebrew according to the [[Lithuanian Jews|Lithuanian]] dialect. However, many native [[Israel]]i Chabad Hasidim pronounce Hebrew according to the [[Hebrew language|Modern Israeli Hebrew]] dialect. Like many other Hasidic groups, Chabad attaches importance to singing Hasidic ''[[nigun]]im'' ("tunes"), usually without words, and following precise customs of their leaders.<ref>[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=170311 Pinson, D: "Kabbalistic Music - The Niggun"]</ref><ref>[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=67814 Freeman, T: "Nigun"]</ref>
==Controversies==
{{main|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. Its seventh leader, Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneerson]]'s theology has been controversial; He was heavily criticized for starting the [[Baal teshuvah]] movement; and was criticised heavily by [[Elazar Shach]].
Since his death in 1994, and the decision not to appoint a successor, the movement has fragmented into competing factions. The contested control over the headquarters in [[Brooklyn]] has led to friction within the Chabad community.
===Chabad messianism===
{{main|Chabad messianism}}
Menachem Mendel Schneerson placed emphasis on the basic principle of Judaism to believe in the [[Jewish Messiah|Messiah]] and he constantly expressed his yearning for his imminent arrival. He emphasized the words of [[Maimonides]] that every good deed that an individual does can have a dramatic effect for the good on the world. Schneerson view that in every detail of this world exists good, thrived that the entire world should be a world of good.<ref>Tauber, Yanky, [http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=2955 The Lubavitcher Rebbe]</ref>
While some have believed during the Rebbe's lifetime that Schneerson had the potential to be the Messiah<ref name="Hirshberg">Hirshberg, Matthew, ''The Columbia Journalist'', February 21, 2006</ref> and a minute fringe group still believe that he is the Messiah<ref name="Resurgence383408">"The Lubavitch Messianic Resurgence: The Historical and Mystical Background 1939-1996", Rachel Elior in ''Toward the Millennium: Messianic Expectations from the Bible to Waco'' ed. Peter Schäfer and Mark Cohen, 383-408. (Leiden: Brill, 1998)</ref>, today those beliefs have decreased within Chabad.<ref name="jewishweek20040618">The Jewish Week, June 18, 2004</ref>
In Chabad centers across the globe and at Chabad headquarters literature proclaiming the Rebbe as the Messiah or trying to influence non Chabad individuals that the Rebbe is the Messiah is not found.<ref name="Hirshberg"/>
==Naming==
In the seminal Hasidic work, ''[[Tanya]]'', Rabbi Shneur Zalman defines "Chabad Hasidism" as "מוח שליט על הלב" ("mind ruling over the heart/emotions").<ref>''Tanya'', ch. 12.</ref> Chabad Chasidism considers this emphasis to make it fundamentally different from other forms of Hasidism, which are refered to as "''Chagas''"<ref>[http://www.chabadlibrary.org/books/default.aspx?furl=/maharyatz/sichos/706-10/7/6/363 Reference of Rebbe Rayatz to Chassidei "''Chagas''"]</ref>; this acronym refers to the emotional attributes of '' '''Ch'''esed'' ("kindness"), '' '''G'''evurah'' ("power"), and '' '''T'''ifereth'' ("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.
===Chabad===
Chabad is sometimes written as ''Habad'' in [[English language|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 language|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.
===Lubavitch===
Lubavitch is a small town now in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, (then [[Imperial Russia]]). The name of the town means "city of love,"<ref>''Sefer Hazichronot'', chapter 1</ref> and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson taught that this name symbolises the warm, loving approach of the movement.<ref>[http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/sichos-in-english/20/10.htm Sichos in English 11th Day of Nissan, 5744]</ref> 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.
==Citations and notes==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count: 2; column-count: 2;">
<references/>
</div>
==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 [http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0602/feature4/index.html 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)
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=6237 Lessons in Tanya] chabad.org
*Mindel, Nissan. ''The philosophy of Chabad''. Chabad Research Center, 1973
*[[Menachem Mendel Schneerson|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", [http://www.forward.com/articles/orthodox-rethinking-campus-outreach-1/ The Forward Jan. 20, 2006].
== See also ==
*[[Hassidic Judaism]]
*[[Menachem Mendel Schneerson]]
*[[Baal Shem Tov]]
*[[Hasidic philosophy]]
==External links==
*[http://www.chabad.org Chabad Lubavitch on the web]
**[http://www.chabad.org/global/about/article.asp?AID=36226 About Chabad-Lubavitch]
**[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default.asp?AID=6268 Global Chabad-Lubavitch Centers and Institutions Directory]
**[http://www.chabad.org/109867 Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbes (leaders)]
*[http://www.chabad.edu Chabad on Campus]
*[http://www.chabad.org/search/keyword.asp?kid=1412 The philosophy behind Chabad's outreach.]
*[http://www.otzar770.com Virtual library of Chabad books]
*[http://www.chabadnews.us/ Lubavitch Archives - Chabad history on the web]
===News sites===
*[http://www.lubavitch.com/news.html Official Lubavitch News Service]
*[http://www.chabad.org/global/about/article.asp?AID=245716 Official Chabad News and Events Chabad.org]
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