The Rebbe

Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory

The Lubavitcher Rebbe is widely regarded as one of the most influential Jewish figures of the past century. Seventh in the line of Chabad-Lubavitch leadership beginning with Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in the 1700s, he assumed leadership in 1950 and, over more than four decades, built Chabad into the world's largest Jewish outreach movement — sending emissary couples (shluchim) to establish centers in every corner of the globe, this one included.

The Rebbe's central teaching was a radical, unconditional love for every Jew, regardless of background or observance, paired with the conviction that a single act of goodness could change the world. That's the philosophy behind an open-door Chabad house with no membership fee: every Jew already belongs.

Chabad's teachings include a deep focus on the coming of Moshiach (the Messiah) and the ultimate redemption — a core, ancient belief in Judaism that the Rebbe spoke and wrote about with particular urgency throughout his life.