A. About Us
Chabad North of Montana is a non-profit organization benefiting the North of Montana community. Since its establishment, Chabad has been providing our community with engaging, joyful and relevant Jewish experiences. Individuals can participate in Jewish programming, Torah classes, holiday celebrations, Shabbat Programs, as well as benefit from custom-tailored one-on-one guidance. For those wanting to deepen their connection to Judaism, Chabad is here to help ignite their soul with a love of Hashem, to support their passion for their G‑d given purpose, and to celebrate positive connection as a community.
Our Programs:
•Circle of Wisdom- Intergenerational Connection •Shabbat Community Experiences
•Meaningful Torah classes
•Private custom-classes
•Holiday celebrations
•Bar/ Bat Mitzvah education
•Pre- Marriage Classes
•Spiritual counseling
•Programs for kids
•Loaves of Love
•Women's Spirit Center
•Mommy & Me
•Hospital Visitation
•Helping the Needy
And many other activities.
Beezrat Hashem, your financial support will contribute to building this property as a space of light, connection and growth for our community.
1. Meet the Rabbi and Shira
Directed by Rabbi Chaim Teleshevsky and his wife Shira, Chabad on Montana has begun to serve the community with a variety of services. Our programs are generalized in three categories: Youth Programs, Adult Education, and Community Services. We encourage you to learn about the many programs we are establishing by visiting our website or calling: 310.280.6598. We look forward to personally greeting you!
Rabbi Teleshevsky, born and raised in Sydney, Australia, studied the Talmud, Chassidic and Jewish Philosophy, and The Code of Jewish Law at the Jewish Institute of Brunoy, France, and then proceeded to advance his studies at the Zal of Oholei Torah in New York. He received his Rabbinical ordination from the Central Chabad Rabbinical Court in Brooklyn, New York.
Rabbi Teleshevsky has spent 20 years leading Adult Education Programs, Youth Groups, Student Groups, Synagogue Services, Holiday Programs, and Community Outreach Activities in places such as France, Russia, England, and across the United States of America. Rabbi Teleshevsky spent much of his time visiting Torah Academies around the world, teaching, guiding, and lifting the spirit of countless students, many of whom seek his counsel and advice until today.
For Shira, growing up in the home of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Cunin, an open home to all was a natural way of life. After graduating with distinctions from Beth Chana High School, she received a Teacher’s Diploma in Education from the Ohel Chana Seminary in Melbourne, Australia, graduating each program with honors.
Her remarkable manner of setting a positive tone to any situation, along with her creative abilities and oratory skills, grow fruit here at Chabad on Montana! Whether it be through Adult Education, Youth Programming, Teen Groups, or Shabbat and Holiday Programs, Shira's pleasant form of sharing the joys and the depth of Judaism gives her the ability to make everyone feel welcome and at home.
With their warm smiles and friendly approach, the Teleshevsky’s have arrived at S. Monica to permanently establish Chabad Lubavitch on Montana in March 2007, and have already establishing a wonderful rapport, and successful relationships in the area, drawing on every segment of this wonderful and diverse community…
2. Our Mission Statement
Our goal is to enable every Jewish individual to grow through a positive Jewish experience, by sharing with them that which is their birthright ~ our heritage.
Chabad Lubavitch on Montana is dedicated to serving the community with Ahavat Yisrael - an unconditional love and concern for every individual, regardless of background or affiliation.
Its multiple programs provide the education and opportunities to promote Jewish awareness, knowledge, and practice, and to experience our Jewish heritage.
Chabad encourages every positive action on the part of every individual, with the understanding, that it brings us closer together, and makes the world a better place.
Chabad Lubavitch strives to serve as an oasis of strength, hope, and purpose to all whom they come in contact with.
3. Our Philosophy
Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspiration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad Lubavitch has set the dictum of "Love Thy Fellow as Thyself" as the defining factor in its liberal approach of unconditional acceptance of every single individual regardless of background, level of observance, or affiliation.
While sharing and teaching the wealth and beauty of Judaism, every individual is encouraged to appreciate the depth of our heritage at their own comfortable pace.
Chabad encourages every positive action on the part of everyone, with the understanding, that it brings us closer together, and makes the world a better place.
4. About Chabad Lubavitch Worldwide
The word "Chabad" is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of: chachmah-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 and 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.
Following its inception 250 years ago, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement 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 of 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 movement is guided by the teachings of its seven leaders ("Rebbe"'s), 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 origins of today's Chabad-Lubavitch organization can be traced to the early 1940's when the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of righteous memory (1880-1950), appointed his son-in-law and later successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, to head the newly-founded educational and social service arms of the movement.
Motivated by his profound love for every Jew and spurred by his boundless optimism and self-sacrifice, the Rebbe set into motion a dazzling array of programs, services and institutions to serve every Jew.
Today 4,300 full-time emissary families apply 250 year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 3,200 institutions (and a workforce that numbers in the tens of thousands) dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
Is what you've heard about Chabad Lubavitch myth or fact ? You may be surprised.
Please take a few minutes to browse through these FAQ and you'll have a better understanding of what Chabad is all about.
Q: Do you have to be Orthodox to participate in programs offered by Chabad?
A: Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. In fact, the majority of people who participate in programs at Chabad are not Orthodox. The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic spirit and joy, but in no way is the commitment to an Orthodox lifestyle a prerequisite to one's acceptance at Chabad functions.
Q: Is the goal of Chabad to make me Orthodox?
A: Chabad is not out to make one Orthodox. Chabad is an educational organization dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere. All of Chabad's classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and rituals. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace. Each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in ones personal growth.
Q: Does Chabad consider Reform, Conservative, or non-practicing Jews as "real" Jews?
A: Chabad avoids labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create barriers between us. Jewish Law has traditionally considered anyone born of a Jewish mother or converted in accordance with Halacha to be a Jew, regardless of his or her degree of observance. The Lubavitcher Rebbe delivered a stinging rebuke to Orthodox elements in the USA and Israel for publicly belittling non-Orthodox Jews.
Q: Does Chabad support Israel?
A: Chabad is deeply involved in defending Israel and its right to exist, throughout all its boundaries. Many Chabadniks serve in the IDF and others contribute practical and spiritual support to the troops. Chabad has over 150 centers in Israel, as well as dozens of educational facilities around the country. Lubavitch trained Rabbis often complete their training is Israeli Yeshivot. The Rebbe himself encouraged support of the UJA.
Q: Do women occupy a secondary position in Chabad philosophy?
A: Different, yes. Secondary? No! The high standing of Jewish women in Chabad is central to the survival of Judaism. As the cornerstone of Jewish family life, the woman can attain a profound and meaningful spirituality, 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.