Myths & Facts

Which students do you serve?
What is your mission exactly?
What is your opinion of our reformed Jewish background?
Who backs you financially?
How did you get to CWRU in the first place?
Find all that out right here!

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MYTH vs. FACT

6 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHABAD!

MYTH: 
You have to be "Orthodox" to participate in programs offered by Chabad. 
FACT: 
Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all. In fact, the vast majority of people who participate in programs at Chabad are not "Orthodox" at all! 

MYTH: 
Chabad’s goal is to make me Orthodox. 
FACT: 
Chabad is not out to make you Orthodox. Chabad is dedicated to engaging every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance. We provide resources to help increase your level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere. All of our classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one’s heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and rituals. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious, lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace and interest.

MYTH: 
Chabad does not consider Reform, Conservative, or non-practicing Jews as "real" Jews. 
FACT: 
Nonsense! We avoid labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create artificial barriers between us. In fact, the leader of Chabad, the Lubavitcher Rebbe delivered a stinging rebuke (which is relevant now more than ever) to Orthodox elements in the USA and Israel for publicly belittling non-Orthodox Jews. It is a terrible Shanda! Since the days of Moses, Jewish Law has considered anyone born of a Jewish mother or converted in accordance with Halacha to be a Jew, regardless of his or her degree of observance. We are family!

MYTH: 
Chabad does not support the state of Israel. 
FACT: 
Huh? Where did you pick up that one?? Chabad, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe in particular, strongly support Israel and we are deeply involved in defending its value and right to exist. Many “Chabadniks” serve in the Israeli Defense Forces and others contribute practical and spiritual support to the troops. Chabad-Lubavitch trained Rabbis often complete their training in Israeli Yeshivas. Chabad has a network of over 220 centers throughout the length and breath of Israel. 
Chabad’s Victim of Terror program offers support and comfort to victims of terror and their families by providing financial, spiritual and emotional assistance as needed. Chabad has a network of emergency response teams that intervene with victims and their families within hours after an attack and continues with long term, community-based assistance and activities provided by Chabad Houses located in the victim’s community.

MYTH: 
Chabad is financed by its headquarters in New York. 
FACT: 
It is Chabad policy for decades already that each center is supported by the community (and by the generosity of parents and alumni) it serves. Thus, funding for local Chabad programs is generated independently through full-time fundraising. No money or dues are sent to international Chabad headquarters in New York -- all funds donated remain here at CWRU.

MYTH:
You were sent here without any choice, and coerced into this position.
FACT: 
To become Chabad "Shluchim" (representatives) is much like any job opportunity where interested parties will (be interviewed, and) discuss with the local Chabad leadership about the available opportunities to help inspire local Jewish people. There is one difference - this is not simply a 'job', rather as mentioned we (feel honored and privileged to strengthen the Jewish life here, but we) are also responsible to raise the funds to cover all of our activities. So that makes it a huge - and highly worthwhile - lifetime commitment.