Lubavitch

Lubavitch, also known as Chabad-Lubavitch, is a Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism. It traces its origins to the 18th-century Hasidic movement founded by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, whose court was centered in the town of Lyubavichi (Lubavitch) in the Russian Empire. The name Lubavitch identifies the geographic and dynastic center of the movement, while Chabad refers to its intellectual approach to mysticism and Torah study.

Doctrine and practice in Lubavitch emphasize the synthesis of Jewish mysticism with practical observance. The movement promotes a philosophy that high-level study of wisdom (Chochmah), understanding (Binah), and knowledge (Da’at) should be translated into action and everyday life. A distinctive aspect is its emphasis on outreach and education, organized through a global network of emissaries known as shluchim who establish Chabad Houses and programs in communities around the world to encourage learning, prayer, and mitzvot.

History and leadership have long been associated with a dynasty of Lubavitcher Rebbes who guided the movement from its headquarters in and around Lyubavichi. In the 20th century, leadership culminated with Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe, who led from the 1950s until his death in 1994. Since then, no universally recognized successor has been named, but the movement continues to operate through a centralized network of rabbis and lay leaders.

Today, Chabad-Lubavitch operates thousands of centers worldwide, focusing on education, outreach, and communal services, and remains a prominent force in contemporary Jewish life.