Chabad, And New Beginnings

by Elisheva bas Chana

Chabad, And New Beginnings

It is not easy to sum up Chabad philosophy in one sentence. The acronym Chabad is "Chochmah, Binah, Daas," which translates into wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of HaShem's presence within a reality that arises from the merger of the two.

To observe Torah, we do not really need Chabad. Taking into account that the entire pillar on which Judaism is built is the knowledge of HaShem, having emunah is important, but this does not necessarily mean we have knowledge of HaShem. To know HaShem wholeheartedly is to know how to serve Him. If you do not know HaShem, it is almost impossible to serve Him.

Learning Torah is easier when we are inspired by someone or something. Chabad is that dimension of the Torah which educates us about who and what HaShem is, and how to serve Him. There is a mitzvah of knowing HaShem, and what better way is there than through someone who inspires you?

Chabad teaches us that a mitzvah is a Divine spiritual practice of Judaism, and when done with kavanah gives you the love and awe of HaShem, so intense that it awakens your knowledge of unity with HaShem. Chabad keeps reminding us that keeping the mitzvos is designed to reveal the unity of the One and the many. Chabad denies nothing and embraces everything, seeing everything as the One Thing, HaShem.

The Rebbe taught us that the Torah is a daily and constant necessity for spiritual vitality, a blueprint for transforming the world and bringing G-Dliness into it. His love for every Jew, and his army of emissaries, can be found in almost every country around the world. The Rebbe said: "Torah learning is a preparation for life and has the great quality of purifying the mind." Although the Rebbe is no longer with us, his intuitive wisdom and teachings are still guiding Chabad.

Yeshivos are for boys, kollelim for married men. For ten to twelve hours a day they study the Talmud, what the Gemara says, and what Chazal tell us through their interpretation of the Torah text. They are learning Chassidus and Kabbalah.

Girls, on the other hand, do not study the Talmud. Girls learn Chumash in school, the mitzvos that apply to them, and secular subjects in the afternoon. Finishing high school and going to seminary is to learn Torah, which becomes the foundation for Torah life after marriage.

HaShem wants all His children to get to know Him, and the only way is through Torah learning. Through the knowledge we gain, we are able to serve HaShem wholeheartedly.

Chabad philosophy is that Jewish women hold a deeply elevated role and possess an inherent spiritual intuition, which makes women the emotional and moral anchor of the family and gives them responsibility in the process of redemption.

The Rebbe highlighted that at Har Sinai, HaShem gave Moshe instructions to address the women first. Women's intrinsic wisdom ensures the preservation of Judaism. While women are traditionally exempt from certain areas of Torah learning, Chabad encourages women to study Torah and Chassidus. Women are also equal partners in Chabad's global outreach efforts.

A strong Jewish family is the bedrock of a strong Jewish nation. As a pillar of the home, Jewish women are HaShem's main emissaries in enhancing Jewish observance and simcha among the Jewish people.

Often, finding time in a busy household can be tricky, but with good planning in a tight schedule there is always an hour here or there to learn Torah. Many of the discourses Chabad offers contain shiurim. Something comes up and you cannot join? No problem. Chabad sends you a link to the shiur, which you can watch later when it is more convenient.

Chabad does not view women merely as participants, but as educators and transmitters of Jewish values, both within the home and the community.

Jewish law requires all women to study the laws and concepts necessary to observe the mitzvos they are obligated to fulfil: Shabbos, kashrus, טהרת המשפחה (Taharas HaMishpachah – family purity), and many other areas of halachah.

A story of stories, a journey of struggle and pain. A heart broken and mended again. A life I knew so well, but am no longer part of. The pain of losing my mother, and the simcha of becoming one. Finding a path that brings you comfort and a sense of belonging again in a heartbeat: Chabad.

Diary of a Beautiful Journey

My new blog, which tells our ongoing journey, our life, Yom Tov, the beauty of our faith, but also the struggles, the hectic moments, parenting, family purity, and tznius. A life so rich and full of love and chesed.

###

Elisheva bas Chana – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.