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The Philosophy

Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization. It is considered to be the most dynamic force in Jewish life today.

Lubavitch appropriately means the “city of brotherly love”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

No person or detail was too small or insignificant for their love and dedicationThe 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 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.

Today over 4,500 full-time emissary families direct more than 3,500 institutions 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.

Rabbi Shneur Hecht was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.

After finishing High School in Chicago he continued his post high school education in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a 2 year work study program in Rostov, Russia. He used this opportunity to bring the warmth of Judaism to many, small isolated communities in Russia. He also directed camps and holiday programs in Eastern Europe, Canada and America.

Rabbi Hecht received his Rabbinical ordination from the esteemed Rabbinical College of America in Morristown NJ.

Mushkie Hecht grew up in London, England. After she graduated from high school in London, Mushkie attended a women’s seminary in Israel.

She followed her passion by dedicating the next few years doing outreach work in Montreal, New Jersey and California, enriching lives with Torah values and organizing programs and camps for all ages, She also developed her skills as a master Teacher.

She is known for her vibrant personality,infectious smile and enthusiasm.

The Hechts are joined by their two precious children, Tzivia and Menachem who will become primary partners in their parents work.

With their trademark warmth, humor and love, Rabbi Shneur, and Mushkie are excited to begin their journey touching the lives and igniting the souls of the Puerto Vallarta Jewish community, one Jew at a time.

Unlike traditional synagogues, Chabad of Puerto Vallarta does not ask for annual membership dues and most of our programing is free to join.

We do have a Chai Club which is comprised of generous individuals who are committed to Chabad of Puerto Vallartas' monthly operational budget, by committing to a monthly contribution you can help secure our financial security.

You can also make a donation "in memory of" or "in honor of."

We are thankful to have a US based 501 (C) 3, thus making your contribution go even further. For wire and bank info please contact us.

To donate, please visit our Chabad of Puerto Vallarta Donation Page