What is Chabad Lubavitch?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Chabad Lubavitch is an organization within the Orthodox Jewish Hasidic branch of Judaism that promotes a sense of responsibility and love toward every Jew. The organization was founded in the 1940s, so the Bible doesn’t mention it. However, Chabad’s ethical code adheres to seven Laws of Noah, rooted in Old Testament Mosaic Law prohibiting idol worship (Exodus 20:3-5), cursing God (Exodus 20: 7; Leviticus 24:16), murdering (Exodus 20:13), adultery/sexual immorality (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:20), stealing (Exodus 20:15), and eating flesh torn from living animals (Genesis 9:4). It also believes in establishing courts of justice (Deuteronomy 16:18). Though the organization does good deeds, as a movement dedicated to Judaism, it does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Thus, the organization attempts to establish their own righteousness through good deeds rather than recognizing the grace of God through the true Messiah, Jesus Christ (Romans 10:1-4). Christians who admire Chabad’s good deeds may want to support that, but the most important work that Christians can support is that which focuses on sharing the gospel message (Matthew 28:19-20).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Because of their beliefs about the imminent coming of the messiah, Chabad Lubavitch not only promotes Jews doing good deeds, but also believes Gentiles should abide by seven Laws of Noah, which are rooted in Old Testament Mosaic Law:
• 1. Do not worship idols (Exodus 20:3-5).
• 2. Do not curse God (Exodus 20: 7; Leviticus 24:16).
• 3. Establish courts of justice (Deuteronomy 16:18).
• 4. Do not murder (Exodus 20:13).
• 5. Avoid adultery or sexual immorality (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:20).
• 6. Do not steal (Exodus 20:15).
• 7. Avoid eating flesh torn from a living animal (Genesis 9:4).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Chabad Lubavitch is known for its outreach to non-observant Jews. In fact, they send missionaries, known as emissaries (or shluchim), all over the world to encourage secularized Jews to adopt Orthodox observance, which include doing good deeds as preparation for what they believe will be the M essiah. They don’t recognize that the Messiah has already come and their own Torah points to Him. Jesus recognized this spiritual blindness in the religious leaders of His day: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39).
• Christians who seek to love Jewish people are drawn to support organizations like Chabad Lubavitch that focus on meeting the needs of the Jewish people. But as the organization does not believe in Christ as the Messiah, Christians might consider the better option of donating to causes that provide for the needy and bring the truth of the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).
• The apostle Paul had a special place in his heart for the Jews as they were his heritage, yet he recognized that they were trying to establish their own righteousness rather than being covered by Christ’s. May we have a heart like Paul's who said, "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them [Jews] is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:1-4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

From political stalemates to social media attacks, love and care for others seem to be getting rarer. Maybe that’s why organizations like Chabad Lubavitch stand out. Their focus on helping the needy appeals to those who see too little real love in the world.

And the Bible does teach us that we should help the needy. Jesus admonishes His followers to show His love through caring for others (Matthew 25:35-40). The apostle James noted that when we say we care but don’t put actions to words, our claims mean little (James 2:14-17). But Jesus also taught that the reality of a fallen world is that the poor will always exist (Matthew 6:19-20). That’s why our help must always include and prioritize the gospel message (Matthew 28:16-20). Show love—and do it by providing for needs, which includes the most important need: Salvation.

UNDERSTAND

• Chabad Lubavitch is a global Orthodox Jewish movement promoting outreach, education, and ethical living.
• Chabad Lubavitch does good deeds but does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
• True salvation comes only through faith in Jesus.

REFLECT

• How do you respond when you see good deeds done by religious people or organizations that don’t acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah?
• How do you seek to actively share the gospel while also meeting the practical needs of others?
• How can your understanding of God’s grace shape the way you view the righteousness of others?

ENGAGE

• How does Chabad Lubavitch’s focus on ethical living and outreach challenge or encourage the way we serve others?
• How can Christians support the needy while ensuring the message of salvation through Jesus is central?
• How should we balance admiration for good works with the understanding that true righteousness comes only through faith in Christ?