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Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Who We Are (2/12) Previous Document: Question 2.8: What is Chassidism and how does it differ from other Orthodox groups? Next Document: Question 2.10: What is Breslov Chasidism? See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
Answer:
Lubavitch Chasidism, most commonly presented through its
organizational arm Chabad, is one of the better known groups within
Chasidism (although there are others). It is an international movement
with headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
Its major thrust focuses on observing for one's self and transmitting
to others the beauty, depth, awareness and joy inherent in the
Torah-true way of life. By doing so, it strives to revitalize Jewish
life by intensifying the individual's relationship to G-d, and deep
sense of devotion and love towards one's fellow man.
The name Chabad (Chochmah, Binah, Daat) refers to the three
intellectual sephiros (Divine Emanations); the philosophy of the
founder, the Alter Rebbe, stressed the use of the intellect to guide
the emotions. Thus, each individual chassid had to work on
himself/herself, rather than simply rely on the Rebbe/Tzaddik's
saintliness. Another name used in Lubavitch Chassidism is ChaGat
(Chessed, Gevurah, Tiferes), which refers to the first three of the
seven emotional sephiros/character attributes which derive from
Chabad. The empahsis in Chagat Chassidus is on emotional fervor and
devotion (the Baal Shem Tov's counter to the dry intellectualism
mentioned earlier.) Consequently, a chassid must attach
himself/herself to the Rebbe and let his righteousness carry the
Chassid along.
The Lubavitch Rebbe, as Nasi HaDor (leader of the generation) has the
responsibility of setting the direction of the generation.
Chabad-Lubavitch philosophy promotes an intellectual perspective that
strives to helps an individual live in full accordance with the
Torah-true way of life.
Chabad-Lubavitch operates an extensive outreach effort to encourage
Jews to return to traditional practices. As part of this effort,
Chabad operates the Mitzvah Campaigns. The vanguard of the Mitzvah
Campaigns are the "Mitzvah Tanks". The goal of the Mitzvah Campaign is
to encourage Jews to perform 10 specific mitzvos, the intention being
that through their fulfillment, the individual and the family will
come to experience a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with
their Jewish Heritage. These Mitzvot are:
1. Ahavas Yisroel: The love of one's fellow Jew.
2. Chinuch: Torah Education
3. Torah Study.
4. Tefillin: The donning of Tefillin, every weekday, by men and boys
over 13.
5. Mezuzoh: The Jewish Sign
6. Tzedokoh: Giving charity every weekday.
7. Posession of Jewish Holy Books
8. Lighting Shabbos and Festival Candles. Chabad provides a Free
Shabbat Kit, available by calling the Rebitzen at +1 310 326-8234.
For Candle lighting times anywhere in the USA call 718-774-3000.
9. Kashrus: The Jewish Dietary Laws
10. Taharas Hamishpocho: The Torah perspective on married life
Chabad also urges that efforts be made to inform the public at large
about the nature and meaning of the [5]Seven Laws of Noah. Additional
information on the Noachide Laws may be found in Part 6 of the S.C.J
FAQ, Question 12.19, "What does Judaism say about non-Jews?"
Additional information on Chabad may be found in the [6]Chassidic
Reading List portion of the S.C.J FAQ.
Chabad-Lubavitch is also reachable through the internet; for more
information, send email to [7]info@lubavitch.chabad.org. Information
is also available via WWW or Mosaic via the following URL:
[8]http://www.chabad.org.
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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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