About Us
Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota is a home where everyone is welcome - regardless of affiliation, level of knowledge or observance.
We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment to explore and experience our heritage in a non-judgmental and inviting atmosphere.
We are founded on the principle that, while Jews may 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 enjoy Judaism.
Myth or Fact
Myth
You have to be a practicing Jew to participate in programs offered by Chabad.
Fact
Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. Every Jew is part of one big family, no matter what your background or level of observance. Torah is the inheritance of every Jew. It is yours. Feel free to claim it. Every educational and spiritual offering at Chabad is permeated with the Chassidic spirit of love, joy, faith and optimism.
Myth
Chabad's goal is to make me Orthodox.
Fact
Judaism is not an all or nothing. Chabad philosophy teaches that every good deed and mitzvah has its own inherent, unlimited value. Our goal is to increase the MQ (mitzvah quotient) by providing opportunities to learn Torah and do mitzvot. To live is to grow. Yet we each grow at our own pace. Chabad offers you the tools to delve into Jewish teachings and integrate them into your life on your terms and your timetable.
Myth
Chabad frowns upon other beliefs and philosophies.
Fact
Life is a journey, a search for answers. Every question is a good one. the only bad question is the one left unasked.
Myth
Chabad only services the spiritual needs of the Jewish community.
Fact
Caring for others is the core of Judaism. If there is any way we can help anyone in the community, materially or spiritually, please let us know.
Myth
Traditional Judaism does not allow women to occupy Jewish leadership positions.
Fact
Jewish women are heralded as the core of the Jewish identity and the key to our survival as a nation. Historically, woman have served as leaders, prophetesses, history makers, and educators. Jewish woman are the cornerstone of pillar of the Jewish family, whether they have another career outside the home or not. In turn, the Jewish family is the cornerstone of Jewish life and survival. Through pathways unique to women, Judaism offers women equal potential to attain a profound and meaningful spiritual experience, one that fulfills her deepest needs and aspirations opening fresh perspectives on self-understanding, growth and Torah knowledge. Ignorance, misconceptions, and outright myths about Jewish women have prevailed until very recently, turning many people away from an appreciation of Torah and a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Chabad is working to correct those misconceptions.
Myth
Chabad does not accept converts.
Fact
Chabad follows traditional Jewish Law which states that any non-Jew who feels sincerely convinced of the beauty and relevance of Torah, who is prepared to follow the traditions of Israel, and therefore, wishes to join the community of Israel, is welcomed as a convert. The conversion process requires immersion in a kosher mikvah, circumcision for men, and acceptance of the disciplines and practices of Judaism - all with a recognized Beit Din. The conversion process is a life changing one, and requires deep commitment, and for that converts gain our immense respect and are absolutely accepted in our community. We also welcome non Jews that would like to learn more and participate in Jewish life.
Myth
Chabad is financed by its headquarters in New York.
Fact
It is Chabad policy that each center is supported by the community it serves through voluntary contributions. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Our support comes from this community and remains here.
You have to be a practicing Jew to participate in programs offered by Chabad.
Fact
Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. Every Jew is part of one big family, no matter what your background or level of observance. Torah is the inheritance of every Jew. It is yours. Feel free to claim it. Every educational and spiritual offering at Chabad is permeated with the Chassidic spirit of love, joy, faith and optimism.
Myth
Chabad's goal is to make me Orthodox.
Fact
Judaism is not an all or nothing. Chabad philosophy teaches that every good deed and mitzvah has its own inherent, unlimited value. Our goal is to increase the MQ (mitzvah quotient) by providing opportunities to learn Torah and do mitzvot. To live is to grow. Yet we each grow at our own pace. Chabad offers you the tools to delve into Jewish teachings and integrate them into your life on your terms and your timetable.
Myth
Chabad frowns upon other beliefs and philosophies.
Fact
Life is a journey, a search for answers. Every question is a good one. the only bad question is the one left unasked.
Myth
Chabad only services the spiritual needs of the Jewish community.
Fact
Caring for others is the core of Judaism. If there is any way we can help anyone in the community, materially or spiritually, please let us know.
Myth
Traditional Judaism does not allow women to occupy Jewish leadership positions.
Fact
Jewish women are heralded as the core of the Jewish identity and the key to our survival as a nation. Historically, woman have served as leaders, prophetesses, history makers, and educators. Jewish woman are the cornerstone of pillar of the Jewish family, whether they have another career outside the home or not. In turn, the Jewish family is the cornerstone of Jewish life and survival. Through pathways unique to women, Judaism offers women equal potential to attain a profound and meaningful spiritual experience, one that fulfills her deepest needs and aspirations opening fresh perspectives on self-understanding, growth and Torah knowledge. Ignorance, misconceptions, and outright myths about Jewish women have prevailed until very recently, turning many people away from an appreciation of Torah and a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Chabad is working to correct those misconceptions.
Myth
Chabad does not accept converts.
Fact
Chabad follows traditional Jewish Law which states that any non-Jew who feels sincerely convinced of the beauty and relevance of Torah, who is prepared to follow the traditions of Israel, and therefore, wishes to join the community of Israel, is welcomed as a convert. The conversion process requires immersion in a kosher mikvah, circumcision for men, and acceptance of the disciplines and practices of Judaism - all with a recognized Beit Din. The conversion process is a life changing one, and requires deep commitment, and for that converts gain our immense respect and are absolutely accepted in our community. We also welcome non Jews that would like to learn more and participate in Jewish life.
Myth
Chabad is financed by its headquarters in New York.
Fact
It is Chabad policy that each center is supported by the community it serves through voluntary contributions. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Our support comes from this community and remains here.
Our Mission
...To Strengthen the South Dakota Jewish Community by promoting Jewish pride, education and celebration.
...To provide for the spiritual & material needs of all Jews in the community - regardless of their background, affiliation or financial means, and to provide insight and explanation on Judaism’s history and universal values to our friends beyond the Jewish community who would like to learn more.
...To establish a warm and traditional community Center where everyone is made to feel welcome and comfortable.
About Chabad Lubavitch
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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 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. THE 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 of righteous memory (1902–1994), known simply as “the Rebbe,” guided post-holocaust Jewry to safety from the ravages of that devastation. THE ORGANIZATION The origins of today’s Chabad-Lubavitch organization can be traced to the early 1940s, when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory arrived on the shores on the United States, and took lead of the newly founded educational and social service arms of the movement. Motivated by his profound love for every Jew and all of humanity, spurred by his boundless optimism and self-sacrifice, the Rebbe set into motion a dazzling array of programs, services and institutions. |