CC Isreality
You may not be familiar with Israel’s new hit “Kathmandu.” If not, check out this feature story by our own Gabe Weinstein to learn more.
Though it may be a bit over dramatized, the show’s central premise is definitely true: there are few places in the world that don’t have a Chabad presence. If one of the big ideas in Chabad Chasidism is the giving of oneself to the surrounding environment (one late Chabad rebbe is quoted as saying, “A Hasid is he who surrenders himself for the benefit of another“), then Chabad is the gift that keeps giving and giving.
From the video reflection of a rabbi who served in the far-east for a number of years, to homepages for Chabad of Hong Kong and Chabad of India, the sheer amount of ground covered by these unlikely Chasids is truly staggering. Through the years, Chabad has not been without its controversy, collecting its fair share of detractors: from oddly titled websites like “Chabad Mafia,” to criticism that elements of the movement have elevated its last Rebbe (Menachem Mendel Schneerson) to messianic proportions.
Nevertheless, Chabad continues as one of Judaism’s most visible proponents. Love them or hate them or… something else… Chabad has given legs to Judaism in a way few of our movements — including the outreach-themed non-Orthodox branches — have managed to do. In itself, that is remarkable.
You should definitely check out the map of Chabad in East Asia below. Do any of these locations surprise you? Are you a Chabad attendee? Why do you think such emphasis is put on having a Chabad presence in…say… a place like Kathmandu? We’re curious for your insights (or Asian Chabad stories), so weigh in with your thoughts in the comments!
View Chabad in the Far East in a larger map.
