Why Chabad Isn't What You Think It Is

Chabad isn’t just a movement. It’s a worldview—bold, radical, and fiercely human. Noam Weissman and Mijal Bitton sit down with Rabbi YY Jacobson to unpack the legacy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe: a man who believed every soul mattered infinitely, and that the only force powerful enough to rebuild a shattered people was radical love. They explore the origins of Chabad, its mission to hunt down every Jew in love, and its unapologetically redemptive vision for the world. This is a conversation about egoless leadership, messianic energy, and the redemptive power of showing up. About healing after catastrophe. And about what it means to live as if the whole world depends on your next act. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:30 Brief history of Chabad 03:24 What is Chabad? 05:01 The greatness of the Lubavitcher Rebbe 08:39 A personal story about the Rebbe 17:05 Guidance from Chabad for Jews today 22:08 How to fight global antisemitism 25:27 Chabad's relationship to Zionism & Israel 30:54 Chabad & messianism 33:22 Healing the world 34:53 Outro ------------ Recommended video: Did the Most Jewish City Just Turn on Its Jews?    • Did the Most Jewish City Just Turn on Its ...   Enjoying this video? You should check out The Portion - the free weekly newsletter that brings you Jewish ideas, timeless debates, and the questions we’re grappling with today - in 5 minutes or less. Sign up today → https://unpacked.bio/0b7dbe ------------ Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. Follow @wonderingjews on Instagram ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out    / @unpackedpodcasts   #love #healing #redemption