Chabad: Difference between revisions

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== Overview ==

The Chabad movement was founded in Tsarist Russia by the Alter Rebbe. It is a main offshoot of the general Chassidic movement founded by the Baal Shem Tov, and his successor, the Maggid of Mezritch. The name "Chabad" (חב״ד) is an acronym formed from the three Hebrew words [[Sefiras HaChochma|Chochmah]] (חכמה "Wisdom") , [[Sefiras HaBinah|Binah]] (בינה "Understanding"), [[Sefiras HaDaas|Daas]] (דעת "Knowledge") which are the first three of the [[Ten Sefiros]] (a fundamental concept in [[Kabbalah]]). These three aspects of the intellect represent the focus of [[Toras HaChassidus|Chabad teachings]].<ref>"About Chabad-Lubavitch" Chabad.org.</ref> The name [[Lubavitch]] refers to the town in which the Alter Rebbe's son and successor, [[the Mitteler Rebbe|Rabbi Dovber Schneuri (the Mitteler Rebbe)]], relocated the movement after the war between Napoleon and Russia. The succeeding Rebbes of Chabad resided in the town until the First World War. Following the rise of Communism in Russia, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad, [[the Rebbe Rayatz|Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rayatz)]], moved the center of the Chabad movement from Russia to Poland. After the outbreak of World War II, he moved the center of the movement to [[770 Eastern Parkway]] in the [[Crown Heights]] section of Brooklyn (New York, [[United States of America|USA]]). There, following the ''[[histalkus]]'' of the Rebbe Rayatz in 1950, [[the Rebbe|Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the Rebbe)]], became the leader of the worldwide Chabad movement exactly one year later. In the following decades, the Rebbe transformed the Chabad movement into one of the most widespread Jewish movements in the world. Under his leadership, Chabad established a large network of institutions to [[Spreading the Wellsprings (Hafatzat HaMayanot)]] of the teachings of Chassidus, as well as to provide for the religious, social and humanitarian needs of Jews across the world. Chabad institutions provide outreach to unaffiliated Jews and humanitarian aid, as well as religious, cultural and educational activities. The impact of the Chabad movement on non-Chassidic Jews is widely recognised. In a 2020 study, the Pew Research Center found that 16% of American Jews from different backgrounds participated in Chabad services or activities at least semi-regularly.<ref>Pew Research Center, "Jewish Americans in 2020", pewforum.org.</ref> The Rebbe's focus on the immediate coming of the [[Moshiach]], a foundational Jewish belief, was made ~~very~~ clear in ~~many teachings and writings, and~~ which ~~continue~~ to ~~inspire his Chassidim until this very day~~.

The Chabad movement was founded in Tsarist Russia by the Alter Rebbe. It is a main offshoot of the general Chassidic movement founded by the Baal Shem Tov, and his successor, the Maggid of Mezritch. The name "Chabad" (חב״ד) is an acronym formed from the three Hebrew words [[Sefiras HaChochma|Chochmah]] (חכמה "Wisdom") , [[Sefiras HaBinah|Binah]] (בינה "Understanding"), [[Sefiras HaDaas|Daas]] (דעת "Knowledge") which are the first three of the [[Ten Sefiros]] (a fundamental concept in [[Kabbalah]]). These three aspects of the intellect represent the focus of [[Toras HaChassidus|Chabad teachings]].<ref>"About Chabad-Lubavitch" Chabad.org.</ref> The name [[Lubavitch]] refers to the town in which the Alter Rebbe's son and successor, [[the Mitteler Rebbe|Rabbi Dovber Schneuri (the Mitteler Rebbe)]], relocated the movement after the war between Napoleon and Russia. The succeeding Rebbes of Chabad resided in the town until the First World War. Following the rise of Communism in Russia, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad, [[the Rebbe Rayatz|Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rayatz)]], moved the center of the Chabad movement from Russia to Poland. After the outbreak of World War II, he moved the center of the movement to [[770 Eastern Parkway]] in the [[Crown Heights]] section of Brooklyn (New York, [[United States of America|USA]]). There, following the ''[[histalkus]]'' of the Rebbe Rayatz in 1950, [[the Rebbe|Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the Rebbe)]], became the leader of the worldwide Chabad movement exactly one year later. In the following decades, the Rebbe transformed the Chabad movement into one of the most widespread Jewish movements in the world. Under his leadership, Chabad established a large network of institutions to [[Spreading the Wellsprings (Hafatzat HaMayanot)]] of the teachings of Chassidus, as well as to provide for the religious, social and humanitarian needs of Jews across the world. Chabad institutions provide outreach to unaffiliated Jews and humanitarian aid, as well as religious, cultural and educational activities. The impact of the Chabad movement on non-Chassidic Jews is widely recognised. In a 2020 study, the Pew Research Center found that 16% of American Jews from different backgrounds participated in Chabad services or activities at least semi-regularly.<ref>Pew Research Center, "Jewish Americans in 2020", pewforum.org.</ref> From the first [[maamer]] of the Rebbe's ''nesiyus'' (''Basi LeGani 5711''), The Rebbe's focus on the immediate coming of the [[Moshiach]], a foundational Jewish belief, was made clear. This approach continued throughout the Rebbe's ''sichos'' (talks), ''maamarim'' (discourses), ''igros kodesh'' (letters), ''horaos'' (instructions). This culminated in the Moshiach Campaign which [[The only Shlichus (השליחות היחידה)|mandated Chabad Chassidim to bring Moshiach now]].

The Alter Rebbe was born in 1745 in the city of Liozna. He soon became a student of the Maggid of Mezritch, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement. Following the histalkus of the Maggid and the departure of Rabbi Meachme Mendel of Vitebsk and other Chassidic leaders to [[Eretz Yisroel]], the Alter Rebbe became the leader of the Chassidim in Russia, later moving to the town of Liadi. The Alter Rebbe developed the teachings of Chabad in the book of [[Tanya]] which emphasised the use of one's intellectual faculties. This distinguished the Chabad movement from other branches of the Chassidic movement (and are often referred to the Rebbes as Chagas, after the emotive faculties). Following the war between Napoleon and Russia, and the histalkus of the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe settled in Lubavitch. His son-in-law and successor, [[the Tzemach Tzedek]] led the Chabad movement for many years. His son, [[the Rebbe Maharash]], continued to lead in Lubavitch. His son, [[the Rebbe Rashab]], founded [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] and fought to strengthen Chassidus Chabad during a time of mass secularization. At that time, many Chassidim moved away from Russia, and many settled in the United States where they soon created Agudas Chasidei Chabad ("Association of Chabad Hasidim"). His son, [[the Rebbe Rayatz]], fought to preserve Judaism under the rule of the Communists. In 1927, the Rebbe Rayatz was arrested by the Russian Secret Police and was sentenced to death. The sentence was averted and the Rebbe Rayatz left Russia, visiting Latvia, America, Eretz Yisroel, before relocating to Poland. With the start of the Second World War, the Rebbe Rayatz was saved from the hands of the Germans and arrived in America.<ref name=Altein>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''. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2002.</ref> After the histalkus of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe became the seventh leader of Chabad-Lubavitch.

The Alter Rebbe was born in 1745 in the city of Liozna. He soon became a student of the Maggid of Mezritch, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement. Following the histalkus of the Maggid and the departure of Rabbi Meachme Mendel of Vitebsk and other Chassidic leaders to [[Eretz Yisroel]], the Alter Rebbe became the leader of the Chassidim in Russia, later moving to the town of Liadi. The Alter Rebbe developed the teachings of Chabad in the book of [[Tanya]] which emphasised the use of one's intellectual faculties. This distinguished the Chabad movement from other branches of the Chassidic movement (and are often referred to the Rebbes as Chagas, after the emotive faculties). Following the war between Napoleon and Russia, and the histalkus of the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe settled in Lubavitch. His son-in-law and successor, [[the Tzemach Tzedek]] led the Chabad movement for many years. His son, [[the Rebbe Maharash]], continued to lead in Lubavitch. His son, [[the Rebbe Rashab]], founded [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] and fought to strengthen Chassidus Chabad during a time of mass secularization. At that time, many Chassidim moved away from Russia, and many settled in the United States where they soon created Agudas Chasidei Chabad ("Association of Chabad Hasidim"). His son, [[the Rebbe Rayatz]], fought to preserve Judaism under the rule of the Communists. In 1927, the Rebbe Rayatz was arrested by the Russian Secret Police and was sentenced to death. The sentence was averted and the Rebbe Rayatz left Russia, visiting Latvia, America, Eretz Yisroel, before relocating to Poland, near Warsaw. With the start of the Second World War, the Rebbe Rayatz was saved from the hands of the Germans and arrived in America.<ref name=Altein>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''. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2002.</ref> After the histalkus of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe became the seventh leader of Chabad-Lubavitch.

Chabad's influence among world Jewry has been far-reaching since [[World War ~~II]]~~. The Chabad movement pioneered the effort to lead to ''baalei teshuva'' ("returnees" to Judaism). The very first Yeshiva/Rabbinical College for such baalei teshuva, [[Hadar Hatorah]], was established by the Lubavitcher rebbe. It is reported that up to a million Jews attend Chabad services at least once a year.<ref name="Slater Page 279" /><ref name="winnipegfreepress.com">Chabad Lubavitch centre set for River Heights area. 5 August 2007. Sharon Chisvin. Winnipeg Free Press.</ref>

Chabad's influence among world Jewry has been far-reaching since the Second World War. The Chabad movement pioneered the effort to lead to ''baalei teshuva'' ("returnees" to Judaism). The very first Yeshiva/Rabbinical College for such baalei teshuva, [[Hadar Hatorah]], was established by the Lubavitcher rebbe. It is reported that up to a million Jews attend Chabad services at least once a year.<ref name="Slater Page 279" /><ref name="winnipegfreepress.com">Chabad Lubavitch centre set for River Heights area. 5 August 2007. Sharon Chisvin. Winnipeg Free Press.</ref>

[[Chassidus|Chabad Chassidus]] focuses on religious and spiritual concepts such as the creation of the world, the soul, and the meaning of Torah and mitzvos. The [[Zohar]] and the [[Kabbalah]] of the Arizal, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, form the basis for the teachings of Chabad Chassidus.

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 == Overview ==
-The Chabad movement was founded in Tsarist Russia by the Alter Rebbe. It is a main offshoot of the general Chassidic movement founded by the Baal Shem Tov, and his successor, the Maggid of Mezritch. The name "Chabad" (חב״ד) is an acronym formed from the three Hebrew words [[Sefiras HaChochma|Chochmah]] (חכמה "Wisdom") , [[Sefiras HaBinah|Binah]] (בינה "Understanding"), [[Sefiras HaDaas|Daas]] (דעת "Knowledge") which are the first three of the [[Ten Sefiros]] (a fundamental concept in [[Kabbalah]]). These three aspects of the intellect represent the focus of [[Toras HaChassidus|Chabad teachings]].<ref>"About Chabad-Lubavitch" Chabad.org.</ref> The name [[Lubavitch]] refers to the town in which the Alter Rebbe's son and successor, [[the Mitteler Rebbe|Rabbi Dovber Schneuri (the Mitteler Rebbe)]], relocated the movement after the war between Napoleon and Russia. The succeeding Rebbes of Chabad resided in the town until the First World War. Following the rise of Communism in Russia, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad, [[the Rebbe Rayatz|Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rayatz)]], moved the center of the Chabad movement from Russia to Poland. After the outbreak of World War II, he moved the center of the movement to [[770 Eastern Parkway]] in the [[Crown Heights]] section of Brooklyn (New York, [[United States of America|USA]]). There, following the ''[[histalkus]]'' of the Rebbe Rayatz in 1950, [[the Rebbe|Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the Rebbe)]], became the leader of the worldwide Chabad movement exactly one year later. In the following decades, the Rebbe transformed the Chabad movement into one of the most widespread Jewish movements in the world. Under his leadership, Chabad established a large network of institutions to [[Spreading the Wellsprings (Hafatzat HaMayanot)]] of the teachings of Chassidus, as well as to provide for the religious, social and humanitarian needs of Jews across the world. Chabad institutions provide outreach to unaffiliated Jews and humanitarian aid, as well as religious, cultural and educational activities. The impact of the Chabad movement on non-Chassidic Jews is widely recognised. In a 2020 study, the Pew Research Center found that 16% of American Jews from different backgrounds participated in Chabad services or activities at least semi-regularly.<ref>Pew Research Center, "Jewish Americans in 2020", pewforum.org.</ref> The Rebbe's focus on the immediate coming of the [[Moshiach]], a foundational Jewish belief, was made very clear in many teachings and writings, and which continue to inspire his Chassidim until this very day.
+The Chabad movement was founded in Tsarist Russia by the Alter Rebbe. It is a main offshoot of the general Chassidic movement founded by the Baal Shem Tov, and his successor, the Maggid of Mezritch. The name "Chabad" (חב״ד) is an acronym formed from the three Hebrew words [[Sefiras HaChochma|Chochmah]] (חכמה "Wisdom") , [[Sefiras HaBinah|Binah]] (בינה "Understanding"), [[Sefiras HaDaas|Daas]] (דעת "Knowledge") which are the first three of the [[Ten Sefiros]] (a fundamental concept in [[Kabbalah]]). These three aspects of the intellect represent the focus of [[Toras HaChassidus|Chabad teachings]].<ref>"About Chabad-Lubavitch" Chabad.org.</ref> The name [[Lubavitch]] refers to the town in which the Alter Rebbe's son and successor, [[the Mitteler Rebbe|Rabbi Dovber Schneuri (the Mitteler Rebbe)]], relocated the movement after the war between Napoleon and Russia. The succeeding Rebbes of Chabad resided in the town until the First World War. Following the rise of Communism in Russia, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad, [[the Rebbe Rayatz|Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rayatz)]], moved the center of the Chabad movement from Russia to Poland. After the outbreak of World War II, he moved the center of the movement to [[770 Eastern Parkway]] in the [[Crown Heights]] section of Brooklyn (New York, [[United States of America|USA]]). There, following the ''[[histalkus]]'' of the Rebbe Rayatz in 1950, [[the Rebbe|Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the Rebbe)]], became the leader of the worldwide Chabad movement exactly one year later. In the following decades, the Rebbe transformed the Chabad movement into one of the most widespread Jewish movements in the world. Under his leadership, Chabad established a large network of institutions to [[Spreading the Wellsprings (Hafatzat HaMayanot)]] of the teachings of Chassidus, as well as to provide for the religious, social and humanitarian needs of Jews across the world. Chabad institutions provide outreach to unaffiliated Jews and humanitarian aid, as well as religious, cultural and educational activities. The impact of the Chabad movement on non-Chassidic Jews is widely recognised. In a 2020 study, the Pew Research Center found that 16% of American Jews from different backgrounds participated in Chabad services or activities at least semi-regularly.<ref>Pew Research Center, "Jewish Americans in 2020", pewforum.org.</ref> From the first [[maamer]] of the Rebbe's ''nesiyus'' (''Basi LeGani 5711''), The Rebbe's focus on the immediate coming of the [[Moshiach]], a foundational Jewish belief, was made clear. This approach continued throughout the Rebbe's ''sichos'' (talks), ''maamarim'' (discourses), ''igros kodesh'' (letters), ''horaos'' (instructions). This culminated in the Moshiach Campaign which [[The only Shlichus (השליחות היחידה)|mandated Chabad Chassidim to bring Moshiach now]].
-The Alter Rebbe was born in 1745 in the city of Liozna. He soon became a student of the Maggid of Mezritch, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement. Following the histalkus of the Maggid and the departure of Rabbi Meachme Mendel of Vitebsk and other Chassidic leaders to [[Eretz Yisroel]], the Alter Rebbe became the leader of the Chassidim in Russia, later moving to the town of Liadi. The Alter Rebbe developed the teachings of Chabad in the book of [[Tanya]] which emphasised the use of one's intellectual faculties. This distinguished the Chabad movement from other branches of the Chassidic movement (and are often referred to the Rebbes as Chagas, after the emotive faculties). Following the war between Napoleon and Russia, and the histalkus of the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe settled in Lubavitch. His son-in-law and successor, [[the Tzemach Tzedek]] led the Chabad movement for many years. His son, [[the Rebbe Maharash]], continued to lead in Lubavitch. His son, [[the Rebbe Rashab]], founded [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] and fought to strengthen Chassidus Chabad during a time of mass secularization. At that time, many Chassidim moved away from Russia, and many settled in the United States where they soon created Agudas Chasidei Chabad ("Association of Chabad Hasidim"). His son, [[the Rebbe Rayatz]], fought to preserve Judaism under the rule of the Communists. In 1927, the Rebbe Rayatz was arrested by the Russian Secret Police and was sentenced to death. The sentence was averted and the Rebbe Rayatz left Russia, visiting Latvia, America, Eretz Yisroel, before relocating to Poland. With the start of the Second World War, the Rebbe Rayatz was saved from the hands of the Germans and arrived in America.<ref name=Altein>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''. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2002.</ref> After the histalkus of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe became the seventh leader of Chabad-Lubavitch.
+The Alter Rebbe was born in 1745 in the city of Liozna. He soon became a student of the Maggid of Mezritch, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement. Following the histalkus of the Maggid and the departure of Rabbi Meachme Mendel of Vitebsk and other Chassidic leaders to [[Eretz Yisroel]], the Alter Rebbe became the leader of the Chassidim in Russia, later moving to the town of Liadi. The Alter Rebbe developed the teachings of Chabad in the book of [[Tanya]] which emphasised the use of one's intellectual faculties. This distinguished the Chabad movement from other branches of the Chassidic movement (and are often referred to the Rebbes as Chagas, after the emotive faculties). Following the war between Napoleon and Russia, and the histalkus of the Alter Rebbe, the Mitteler Rebbe settled in Lubavitch. His son-in-law and successor, [[the Tzemach Tzedek]] led the Chabad movement for many years. His son, [[the Rebbe Maharash]], continued to lead in Lubavitch. His son, [[the Rebbe Rashab]], founded [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] and fought to strengthen Chassidus Chabad during a time of mass secularization. At that time, many Chassidim moved away from Russia, and many settled in the United States where they soon created Agudas Chasidei Chabad ("Association of Chabad Hasidim"). His son, [[the Rebbe Rayatz]], fought to preserve Judaism under the rule of the Communists. In 1927, the Rebbe Rayatz was arrested by the Russian Secret Police and was sentenced to death. The sentence was averted and the Rebbe Rayatz left Russia, visiting Latvia, America, Eretz Yisroel, before relocating to Poland, near Warsaw. With the start of the Second World War, the Rebbe Rayatz was saved from the hands of the Germans and arrived in America.<ref name=Altein>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''. Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, 2002.</ref> After the histalkus of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe became the seventh leader of Chabad-Lubavitch.
-Chabad's influence among world Jewry has been far-reaching since [[World War II]]. The Chabad movement pioneered the effort to lead to ''baalei teshuva'' ("returnees" to Judaism). The very first Yeshiva/Rabbinical College for such baalei teshuva, [[Hadar Hatorah]], was established by the Lubavitcher rebbe. It is reported that up to a million Jews attend Chabad services at least once a year.<ref name="Slater Page 279" /><ref name="winnipegfreepress.com">Chabad Lubavitch centre set for River Heights area. 5 August 2007. Sharon Chisvin. Winnipeg Free Press.</ref>
+Chabad's influence among world Jewry has been far-reaching since the Second World War. The Chabad movement pioneered the effort to lead to ''baalei teshuva'' ("returnees" to Judaism). The very first Yeshiva/Rabbinical College for such baalei teshuva, [[Hadar Hatorah]], was established by the Lubavitcher rebbe. It is reported that up to a million Jews attend Chabad services at least once a year.<ref name="Slater Page 279" /><ref name="winnipegfreepress.com">Chabad Lubavitch centre set for River Heights area. 5 August 2007. Sharon Chisvin. Winnipeg Free Press.</ref>
 [[Chassidus|Chabad Chassidus]] focuses on religious and spiritual concepts such as the creation of the world, the soul, and the meaning of Torah and mitzvos. The [[Zohar]] and the [[Kabbalah]] of the Arizal, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, form the basis for the teachings of Chabad Chassidus.