Chabad Lubavitch

Chabad Lubavitch, or Lubavich, is a large branch of Hasidic Judaism founded by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. It is also known simply as Chabad (???) a Hebrew acronym for "? Wisdom- ? Understanding- ? Knowledge", or as Lubavitch (??????????), the town that served as the movement's headquarters for over a century. In Russian, the name means "town of brotherly love".

Related Topics:
Hasidic Judaism - Shneur Zalman of Liadi - Hebrew - Acronym - Russian

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Its adherents, or Chasidim, known as "Lubavitchers", are Orthodox Jews belonging to Hasidic Judaism as defined by the Chabad traditions. In Israel they are known as Chabadnikim ("Chabadniks"), a derivation of the movement's second name.

Related Topics:
Orthodox - Jew - Hasidic Judaism - Israel

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Like all Hasidim they follow the teachings and customs of halakha (Jewish law and custom) as taught by their own Rebbes (rabbis, leaders) starting from the founder of Hasidism, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. In this case, the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov are traced through their founder's master works known as The Tanya and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav. Similarly, Chabad attaches importance to singing Hasidic nigunim (tunes), either with or without words and following precise customs of their leaders.

Related Topics:
Halakha - Rebbe - Rabbi - Hasidism - Baal Shem Tov - The Tanya - Shulchan Aruch HaRav - Nigunim

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Until the death of the 7th Chabad leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in 1994, they were governed by a succession of leaders, each descended from the founder of the movement. The death of their Rebbe in 1994 came as a great shock to members of the movement, since many believed that he was the Moshiach - the Jewish Messiah, and would be revealed to the world as such. Schneerson, who was childless, did not appoint a successor; Chabad Hasidim still consider him to be their leader and Rebbe.

Related Topics:
Menachem Mendel Schneerson - 1994 - Jewish Messiah

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