A: Chabad is a worldwide movement that spreads Jewish awareness to all Jews whether male or female, old or young. Its roots are in White Russia in a small town by the name of Lubavitch. The word Chabad is an acronym for Chachmah, Binah, Daas, which means wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The idea is to turn intellect to action. Simply put, Chabad's message is "don't just think it, do it". This is exactly what Chabad does. Chabad Houses can be found in every part of the world such as, Tasmania, Russia, Hawaii, and Bangkok and in each one of those places Chabad is doing everything it can to help Jews be Jewish.

Q: What does Chabad do on campus?

A: Chabad provides Jewish students with all their religious needs. Chabad has a table on the west mall of campus to provide information and answers to any question. Chabad provides kosher Shabbat and holiday meals free of charge to students (best meals in town). Chabad's Rabbi Levertov has incredible knowledge in all areas of Judaism, ready to answer your questions. Alongside of the Rabbi is his wife Rachel who is always ready to explain the importance of the Jewish woman. And let's not forget the four kids Mendy, Levi, Chaya Mushka, Shmuley. Most important, Chabad is your home away from home.

Q: Do only religious people come to Chabad?

A: Chabad is a place for all Jews regardless of their affiliations or ties. Many of the students who come to Chabad are not religious, some with a little Jewish education, and others with none at all.

Q: What happens if I don't know what to do?

A: Don't worry, everyone is learning and YOU have to start sometime, and what better place than at Chabad. There is always someone willing to help you.

Q: What purpose do the labels 'Orthodox," 'Conservative' and 'Reform' serve? Who has the real truth?

A: The truth is that a Jew is truly a Jew, and that G-d truly wants a Jew to do true Mitzvot. Beyond that, labels are totally meaningless at best, and at worst, divisive.

Q: All this is great, but how do I join?

A: We're open to every Jewish student, Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, or any Jew that moves. Joining Chabad is simple! Just come on by.

Q: But wait!! How much does it cost?

A: Nothing! Just bring yourself and lots of friends!

A: First of all, Chassidim don't wear black. They wear conservative colors, not necessarily black. Secondly, for formal occasions everyone wears black. Chassidim happen to have more formal occasions.

Q: Why do Chassidim wear hats?

A: Kabbalah teaches that there are two parts of the Neshama - "Chaya" and "Yechida"- that transcend the mind. We wear a double head covering to represent those two parts.

Q: What's the deal with the mechitza (Separation)?

A: The mechitza has nothing to do with separating the women because they are of lower status, it is an issue of modesty. It is an antidote to today's callousness, to the loss of appreciation for that which is special. Men and women no longer appreciate their respective uniqueness. That's because of over familiarity. Modesty is not only intended to prevent sin. It is intended to preserve the special feeling, the attraction between men and women which is essential to humankind. So even if you are not going to sin, you still must be modest. The reason for the mechitza is simple. When someone prays, /to the person next to them. So in order to avoid the casual looks, a separation (Mechitza) divides the sexes.