A Chabad house is a centre for disseminating Orthodox Judaism by the Chabad movement. Chabad Houses are run by the local Shliach (emissary), who was sent to that place by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who founded all Chabad Houses. In the Chabad houses, the Shliach and Shlucha (rabbi and his wife) host programs, activities, and services for the local Jewish community and tourists. These centers exist today around the world, and serve as a Jewish community center that provides educational and outreach activities serving the needs of the entire Jewish community, regardless of degree of observance.[1] Each center aims to provide a cozy and informal place to learn about and observe Judaism,[2] and provides an atmosphere such that all Jews feel comfortable at Chabad events.[3] Some are in or very near college campuses, others are not. Chabad houses are typically run by a Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzin, often with the assistance of unmarried Chabad boys or girls, or, in the case of more developed Chabad houses, with the assistance of a second or even third married couple.
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Services
Some typical Chabad House programs include: Hospital and prison visitations; holiday activities such as "Sukkah Mobiles," Chanukah and Purim gift baskets and kits, holiday rallies and festivals; counselling and social Services; Jewish studies classes, lectures and seminars; Judaica services; regular newspapers and kosher meals. Classes may also be provided for non-Jews in the Noahide laws, as per Rabbi Schneerson's Noahide campaign.
In universities
Chabad houses in universities often provide housing for students, peer counselling and drug prevention centers, student activity offices, a synagogue, a publications center, library, kosher dining hall, student lounges, and a computer area. It aims to provide a healthy social environment for all young men and women on the college campus.
See also
References
- ^ The Chabad House
- ^ The New York Times, December 16, 2005.
- ^ Passover Seders, Around the World, The Associated Press, March 19, 2007
External links
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