Q. What is Chabad?
A: Chabad is a worldwide movement that spreads Jewish awareness. Chabad’s goal is to serve the spiritual and physical needs of each Jew regardless of affiliation, wherever he or she may be, with understanding and love. 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.
Q: Do I have to be Orthodox to participate in programs offered by Chabad?
A: Absolutely not! Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all. 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 our programs or schools. 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. Come as you are; you automatically belong!
Q: What happens if I don't know what to do at services or at a holiday celebration?
A: Don't worry. One of the exciting things about Chabad is that there are so many different types of people who participate. Ours is a culture that respects learning and growth; there is always someone willing to help you.
Q: Is the goal of Chabad to make me Orthodox?
A: Chabad is not out to make people Orthodox. Chabad is dedicated to helping people increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace. Each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in one’s personal growth.
Q: What position do women hold in the Chabad community?
A: Just look at the Chabad women here! Chabad Rebbizens take a leadership role in the operation of the Chabad Center. The high standing of Jewish women in the worldwide Chabad community is central to its success. As the cornerstone of Jewish family life, the woman can attain a profound and meaningful spirituality, one that fulfills her deepest needs and aspirations opening fresh perspectives on self-understanding, growth and Torah knowledge. Ignorance, misconceptions, and outright myths about Jewish women have been used to turn many people away from an appreciation of Torah and a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Chabad is working hard to correct those misconceptions.
A: Just look at the Chabad women here! Chabad Rebbizens take a leadership role in the operation of the Chabad Center. The high standing of Jewish women in the worldwide Chabad community is central to its success. As the cornerstone of Jewish family life, the woman can attain a profound and meaningful spirituality, one that fulfills her deepest needs and aspirations opening fresh perspectives on self-understanding, growth and Torah knowledge. Ignorance, misconceptions, and outright myths about Jewish women have been used to turn many people away from an appreciation of Torah and a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Chabad is working hard to correct those misconceptions.
Q: Does Chabad consider non-practicing Jews as "real" Jews?
A: A Jew is a Jew is a Jew – period. Chabad avoids labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create barriers between us. We have one Torah, we are one People, and we have one G‑d. Chabad endeavors to bring unity among the Jewish community.
Q: Does Chabad support Israel?
A: Chabad is deeply involved in defending Israel and its right to exist, throughout all its boundaries. Many Chabadniks serve in the IDF and others contribute practical and spiritual support to the troops. Chabad has over 500 institutions in Israel, as well as dozens of educational facilities around the country. Lubavitch-trained Rabbis often complete their training is Israeli yeshivot. Chabad is the largest provider of Birthright trips for college students to Israel. While individuals involved in the Chabad community exercise their right to vote Chabad does not have a political party in Israel, nor is it involved in politics.
A: Chabad is deeply involved in defending Israel and its right to exist, throughout all its boundaries. Many Chabadniks serve in the IDF and others contribute practical and spiritual support to the troops. Chabad has over 500 institutions in Israel, as well as dozens of educational facilities around the country. Lubavitch-trained Rabbis often complete their training is Israeli yeshivot. Chabad is the largest provider of Birthright trips for college students to Israel. While individuals involved in the Chabad community exercise their right to vote Chabad does not have a political party in Israel, nor is it involved in politics.
Q: How does Chabad support itself?
A: All funding for Chabad programs comes from the local community. We have no dues or assessments; we are supported by the generous free-will giving of our local friends. No funds are received from Chabad Headquarters nor are any locally raised funds sent to Chabad Headquarters.
Q: All this is great, but how do I join?
A: Joining Chabad is simple! Just come on by. Questions, comments? Click Here.
So why should you avoid Chabad?
Your children may not want to go home.
You might actually like the guy with the beard and hat.
You're not into the whole joy thing.
You'll end up making lame excuses to go back.
You'll find that most of the people are just like you.
There goes the diet!
Hard to shake that sense of fulfillment and meaning.