Chabad Lubavitch is an Orthodox Hasidic Jewish movement that originated in Russia in the 18th century. The name “Chabad” comes from the Hebrew initials of three core mystical attributes in Kabbalah: Chochmah (Wisdom), Bina (Understanding) and Da’at (Knowledge). “Lubavitch” refers to the Russian town where the movement was based for over a century. Some of the key beliefs and practices of Chabad Lubavitch include:
Hasidic Movement
Chabad Lubavitch is a sect within Hasidic Judaism, a mystical Jewish movement that arose in the 18th century emphasizing joy, prayer, mysticism and devotion to God. The founder of Hasidism was Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. Chabad follows his teachings and those of later Hasidic leaders.
Rebbes
Chabad Lubavitch traces its leadership back to Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, its first Rebbe. Rebbes are spiritual leaders who pass down teachings and guide the movement. There have been 7 Chabad Rebbes so far. The last Rebbe was Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who many Chabad members believed was the Messiah. He revived the movement after WWII.
Outreach
A core part of Chabad’s theology is engaging in outreach to non-religious Jews to increase their observance and connection to Judaism. They have established Chabad Houses worldwide run by emissaries who provide Jewish education, social services, and community centers.
Mitzvah Campaigns
Chabad initiates public campaigns to encourage Jews to perform more mitzvahs, or commandments. These include putting on tefillin, keeping kosher, observing Shabbat, giving charity and studying Torah. Performing mitzvahs brings one closer to God.
Messianism
Many Chabad Hasidim believed their last Rebbe, Schneerson, was the Messiah and would bring redemption. He died in 1994 without fulfilling this role, causing dissent in the movement over messianic beliefs. However, the messianic fervor remains strong among some members.
Mysticism and Kabbalah
Chabad Lubavitch places great emphasis on Jewish mysticism and esoteric teachings, especially those originating with Rabbi Isaac Luria in 16th century Safed. Concepts like Ein Sof (God’s infinite nature), olamot (spiritual realms) and sefirot (divine emanations) feature prominently.
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and meditation on Torah and Hasidic concepts are central to Chabad’s spiritual path. Services are lively with ecstatic prayer. They promote perusing mystical books like the Tanya daily and chanting mantras like Yechi Hamelech to focus the mind.
Distinct Dress and Customs
Chabad Lubavitch members have distinctive beards and sidelocks for men, and modest dress for women. They follow customary hasidic traditions in their weddings, bar mitzvahs, dietary laws, holidays and family life, often interpreted with mystical significance.
Love for the Rebbe
Chabad Hasidim have deep love for their Rebbe, believing him to embody divine wisdom and lovingkindness. Stories of miracles and divine providence associated with the Rebbe inspire great reverence. Followers seek to connect to his soul and teachings.
Chasidic Philosophy
Chabad philosophy, rooted in Kabbalah, focuses on intellectual comprehension of God’s unity through study. It sees physical and spiritual realms intertwined. Key texts like the Tanya by the first Rebbe outline Chabad thought about the nature of the soul and divine service.
Spreading Judaism
Chabad emissaries, including rabbis, teachers and community activists, have established centers worldwide to strengthen Jewish life and identity. Popular programs include Jewish camps, schools, synagogues, social services, publishing and media outreach.
Joy and Celebration
Chabad emphasizes the joy of Judaism, reflected in spirited prayer, dancing and celebration of holidays. Hassidic melodies and niggunim (wordless tunes) enliven services and mystical practices. Joy offsets suffering and connects one to the divine.
Bringing Messiah
Chabad teaches that acts of goodness and Godliness hasten the Messiah’s arrival. Through prayer, repentance and mitzvah observance, one redeems the divine sparks in the world and helps usher in the messianic era of universal peace and divine revelation.
Tanya Study
Chabad adherents study the Tanya, the philosophical work of the first Lubavitcher Rebbe. It outlines Chabad thought on man’s relationship to God, the purpose of Creation, the human soul, sin and repentance, and paths to spiritual growth.
A Chasidic Lifestyle
Chabad families live according to traditional Jewish law and custom as interpreted through the Chabad lens. Home and family life revolve around Shabbat, holidays, kosher diet, Torah study, Chasidic teachings and mitzvah observance.
Divine Providence
Chabad philosophy teaches that everything emanates from God’s divine providence. Apparent evil and suffering serve a higher purpose. Trusting in God’s goodness and omnipresence brings serenity amidst life’s vicissitudes.
In summary, Chabad Lubavitch is a Hasidic Jewish sect focused on outreach, education, mysticism, philosophy, celebration and messianism. Their global presence and emphasis on Jewish revival have made them one of the most influential Orthodox groups worldwide.
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