Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization.
It is considered to be the most dynamic force in Jewish life today.
Philosophy:
The word "Chabad" is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of: chachmah-wisdom, binah-comprehension and da'at-knowledge. The movement's system of Jewish religious philosophy, the deepest dimension of G‑d's Torah, teaches understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of Creation, and the importance and unique mission of each Creature. This philosophy guides a person to refine and govern his and her every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension and knowledge.
The word "Lubavitch" is the name of the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century. Appropriately, the word Lubavitch in Russian means the "city of brotherly love." The name Lubavitch conveys the essence of the responsibility and love engendered by the Chabad philosophy toward every single Jew.
Movement:
Following its inception 250 years ago, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement swept through Russia and spread in surrounding countries as well. It provided scholars with answers that eluded them and simple farmers with a love that had been denied of them. Eventually the philosophy of Chabad-Lubavitch and its adherents reached almost every corner of the world and affected almost every facet of Jewish life.
Leadership:
The movement is guided by the teachings of its seven leaders ("Rebbe"'s), beginning with Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, (1745-1812). These leaders expounded upon the most refined and delicate aspects of Jewish mysticism, creating a corpus of study thousands of books strong. They personified the age-old, Biblical qualities of piety and leadership. And they concerned themselves not only with Chabad-Lubavitch, but with the totality of Jewish life, spiritual and physical. No person or detail was too small or insignificant for their love and dedication.
In our generation, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), known simply as "the Rebbe," guided post-holocaust Jewry to safety from the ravages of that devastation.
Organization:
The origins of today's Chabad-Lubavitch organization can be traced to the early 1940's when the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950), appointed his son-in-law and later successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, to head the newly-founded educational and social service arms of the movement.
Motivated by his profound love for every Jew and spurred by his boundless optimism and self-sacrifice, the Rebbe set into motion a dazzling array of programs, services and institutions to serve every Jew.
Today 4,000 full-time emissary families apply 250 year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 2,700 institutions (and a workforce that numbers in the tens of thousands) dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington:
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington (in Northern Virginia)is one of more than 3,300 branches of today's largest international organization involved with Jewish education and outreach programs. Embracing the philosophy of the Chabad Lubavitch Movement, which originated in the town of Lubavitchin White Russiaduring the 18th century. Chabad's underlying doctrine is "Ahavat Yisrael" (love for a fellow Jew). Chabad recognizes no differences between Jews; its goal is to serve the spiritual and physical needs of each Jew regardless of affiliation, wherever he or she may be, with understanding and with love.
By means of a rare combination that blends traditional Judaism with modern day techniques, Chabad has found the formula to develop a rapport with the most alienated of Jews and to enhance their outlook. By arousing an intellectual and/or emotional interest in our faith, Chabad has become the catalyst to connect Jews with their Jewish roots and revive the sparks of Jewish consciousness in the hearts and minds of each Jew.
Under the direction of Rabbi Mordechai and Yehudis Newman, Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, founded in September of 2001 offers Shabbat & Holiday services, youth programs, adult education courses, community holiday awareness celebrations and hospital, nursing home and shut-in visitations. Many have experienced traditional Shabbat and Holidaymeals with Chabad. In addition, many have benefited from the Rabbi's counseling. Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria/Arlington has fast become a "one-stop" address for the Jewish community.
Chabad does not recognize the false labels of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. "A Jew is a Jew is a Jew - Period." We have gotten too carried away with the adjectives - the noun is universal - Jew. We have one Torah, we are one people, we have one G‑d and one land. Chabad endeavors to bring unity among the Jewish community through our common bond of Jewish faith and observance.
There are no prerequisites for getting involved with Chabad, whether you are affiliated or not, have much Jewish background or none, you are always welcome to try one or all of our programs. We are here to serve you and we will do our best to help you and your family. You do not have to be a member at Chabad, you do not even have to agree with everything Chabad says or does - you just have to be Jewish - and you automatically belong.
