FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is Chabad?
A: Simply put, Chabad's mission is to reach out to others with acts of goodness and kindness. We’re a community-based nonprofit organization whose efforts are rooted in traditional Jewish values — and many of our programs help the needy regardless of background or belief.
Chabad of UCR is part of the largest Jewish organization in the world with over 4000 centers in all 50 states and 90 countries.
Chabad embraces a philosophy of study, meditation, and social outreach that combines rigorous academics with proactive community involvement. Our rapidly growing array of educational and social services programs has made us one of the most dynamic forces in modern Jewish life. “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym for “Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge,” and Lubavitch is the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century. (The word “Lubavitch” actually means “brotherly love,” which is emblematic of the love and dedication that characterizes Chabad Lubavitch and its representatives.) [Founded in 1772 by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, Chabad promotes the mystical, traditional, legal and social principles of the Torah — while using modern methods and technology for education, community outreach, youth programs, crisis intervention, and other social services.]
Chabad has consistently been at the forefront of Jewish education and community activism. The work of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe who assumed leadership of the movement in 1950, is legendary. Motivated by a profound love for humanity and spurred by boundless optimism, the Rebbe lifted the global Jewish community from the ashes of the Holocaust and launched an unprecedented range of Jewish institutions, outreach programs and social services.
Q: What does Chabad do on campus?
A: Chabad helps provide Jewish students with their social, cultural and educational spiritual needs. Chabad provides kosher Shabbat and holiday meals free of charge to students that are legendary. Chabad's Rabbi's and Rebbetzin's have incredible knowledge in many areas of Judaism and are ready to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Most importantly, Chabad is your home away from home.
Q: Do only religious people come to Chabad?
A: Chabad is a place for all regardless of affiliations or ties. Many of the students who come to Chabad are not religious, some with a little Jewish education, and others with none at all. One of the exciting things about Chabad is one can meet people from all walks of life.
Q: What happens if I don't know what to do?
A: Don't worry, everyone is learning and one has to start sometime, and what better place than at Chabad? There is always someone willing to help you.
Q: What purpose do the labels 'Orthodox', 'Conservative' and 'Reform' serve?
A: The truth is that a Jew is truly a Jew, beyond that, labels are totally meaningless at best, and at worst, divisive. Read the article "Was Moses Orthodox?" for more.
Q: All this is great, but how do I join?
A: Click here to our join our email list and stay up-to-date with all the great things that are happening at Chabad House. Feel free to join any or all events.
Q: But wait! How much does it cost?
A: Usually nothing! Just bring yourself and lots of friends! Of course, student leaders can expect to be more active. Click here if you are interested in applying to be a student leader.
Q: So how much time do I have to dedicate to Chabad activities?
A: College students have very busy lives and this is completely understood. Some students come to dinner and stay for a few minutes while others stay for a few hours. Everyone is welcome.