CHABAD-LUBAVITCH
Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization. It is considered to be the most dynamic force in Jewish life today.
The word “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of chochmah—wisdom, binah—comprehension and da’at—knowledge. The movement’s system of Jewish religious philosophy, the deepest dimension of G‑d’s Torah, teaches understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of creation, and the importance and unique mission of each creature. This philosophy guides a person to refine and govern his or her every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension and knowledge.
The word “Lubavitch” is the name of the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century. Appropriately, the word Lubavitch in Russian means the “city of brotherly love.” The name Lubavitch conveys the essence of the responsibility and love engendered by the Chabad philosophy toward every single Jew.
THE MOVEMENT
Following its inception 250 years ago, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement -- a branch of Hasidism -- swept through Russia and spread in surrounding countries as well. It provided scholars with answers that eluded them and simple farmers with a love that had been denied of them. Eventually the philosophy of Chabad-Lubavitch and its adherents reached almost every corner of the world and affected almost every facet of Jewish life.
LEADERSHIP
The movement is guided by the teachings of its seven leaders ("Rebbes"), beginning with Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, of righteous memory (1745-1812). These leaders expounded upon the most refined and delicate aspects of Jewish mysticism, creating a corpus of study thousands of books strong. They personified the age-old, Biblical qualities of piety and leadership, and they concerned themselves not only with Chabad-Lubavitch, but with the totality of Jewish life, spiritual and physical. No person or detail was too small or insignificant for their love and dedication.
In our generation, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known simply as "the Rebbe," guided post-holocaust Jewry to safety from the ravages of that devastation.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory
OUR MISSION
Chabad Jewish Center of Leander is founded on the principle that, while Jews embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for all Jews - no labels, no affiliations - to develop a sense of community, to enhance the experience of being Jewish, to learn and to have fun.
Chabad is just that place. By focusing on the individual's relationship to Judaism, Chabad appeals to all segments of the Jewish community. By offering a wide range of activities for adults, children and the whole family, Chabad follows many paths to enrich Jewish life in our community. And by bringing many different ideas together, Chabad can help you find the Jewish Community in your heart.
Meet the team
Nechomele Levertov
Nechomele, born in Texas to a family of Chabad Emissaries, was raised in Michigan where she attended both elementary and high school. Her passion for nurturing Jewish Children’s souls motivated Nechomele to spend her summers as a day camp and overnight camp counselor in numerous Chabad camps.
After graduating, and spending a year of learning in a teacher’s training seminary in Israel, Nechomele taught in the elementary school and high school she herself attended. Throughout her years teaching, Nechomele knew she would one day take her passion for sharing Judaism beyond the classroom.
Rabbi Shmuly Levertov
Shmuly was born in Austin, to a family of Chabad Emissaries. He attended elementary school in Austin, Yeshiva in Detroit, Manchester, and Morristown, was a student mentor in the Yeshiva in Chicago, and studied in New York at the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva near the Lubavitch Headquarters where he received his rabbinical ordination.
From a young age, Shmuly displayed a passion for volunteering, whether with Jewish students on campus, community outreach, or Jewish summer camp. As a student, he would spend his Friday afternoons visiting Jewish shopkeepers sharing with them a Jewish thought or the opportunity to put on Tefillin. As his studies grew so did his commitment to enriching the lives of Jewish people.
As a family, Shmuly, Nechomele and their daughter Chaya are embarking on a journey to make their dream of sharing their passion for Judaism a reality; here, in Leander, Texas. Together, they are committed to providing Jewish opportunities and creating a space where every Jew is welcome.