Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large missionary Hasidic movement: Lubavitch refers to a major branch of Hasidic Judaism, known formally as Chabad-Lubavitch. It is characterized by its emphasis on outreach, intellectual engagement with Jewish mysticism, hospitality, and the integration of optimism and modern technology into religious life.
   • A historical town: Lubavitch is also the name of a town in Belarus that served as the central headquarters and namesake for this Hasidic movement during much of the 19th century.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Movement):
  • The teachings of Lubavitch stress the importance of joyful religious observance.
  • He was influenced by the outreach philosophy of Lubavitch.
• Noun (Town):
  • The dynasty's leaders lived in Lubavitch for decades.
  • Pilgrims sometimes visit the historical site of Lubavitch.

Advanced Usage

• "Lubavitch philosophy": Refers to the specific theological and outreach principles of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
  • The Lubavitch philosophy encourages every Jew to perform mitzvahs.
• "Lubavitch community": Denotes a local congregation or group following this specific Hasidic tradition.
  • The local Lubavitch community organizes weekly study sessions.

Variants and Related Words

• Chabad: Often used interchangeably with "Lubavitch," though "Chabad" is the acronym for the movement's intellectual foundations (Chochmah, Binah, Da'at), and "Lubavitch" is the name of the town from which it spread.
  • Chabad and Lubavitch refer to the same Hasidic group.
• Hasidism: The broader Jewish pietistic movement from which Lubavitch originated.
• Chabadnik (informal noun): A follower or member of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
  • The Chabadnik was setting up a menorah in the public square.

Synonyms

• Chabad-Lubavitch: The full, formal name of the movement.
• Chabad: A common synonym for the movement itself.

Notes on Meaning

• The term almost always refers to the religious movement in contemporary usage. The geographical reference is primarily historical.
• It is a proper noun and is typically capitalized.

Noun

1. a large missionary Hasidic movement known for their hospitality, technological expertise, optimism and emphasis on religious study
2. a town in Belarus that was the center of the Chabad movement for a brief period during the 19th century