The Rebbe's Army

The Rebbe's Army examines the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a branch of Hasidic Judaism that has grown into a global outreach organization. Through interviews and observations, Sue Fishkoff documents the work of Chabad emissaries who establish Jewish centers worldwide. The book follows various Chabad couples who leave their close-knit communities to serve as the Rebbe's representatives in locations across the globe. These emissaries work to bring Judaism to both secular and religious Jews, establishing synagogues, schools, and community centers in their assigned territories. The narrative covers the movement's origins in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and tracks its expansion under the leadership of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Fishkoff details the daily operations, challenges, and successes of Chabad houses from Thailand to Alaska. The work raises questions about tradition versus modernity and explores how an ultra-Orthodox movement effectively engages with contemporary society while maintaining its core values. Through its portrayal of the Chabad movement, the book presents broader insights into religious identity and community-building in the modern world.

Readers appreciate the balanced reporting and insider access that illuminates how Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries operate worldwide. Many note the book provides clear explanations of the movement's outreach methods without becoming overly technical or academic. What readers liked: - Detailed personal stories of Chabad families - Clear writing style accessible to non-Jewish readers - Objective reporting that avoids taking sides - Historical context about the movement's growth What readers disliked: - Some wanted more critical analysis of Chabad's methods - Limited coverage of theological disagreements - Focus mainly on American Chabad activities Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (224 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (62 ratings) Sample review: "Fishkoff presents the human side of these dedicated families without glossing over the challenges they face" - Goodreads reviewer "Good journalism but doesn't dig deep enough into doctrinal tensions between Chabad and other Jewish movements" - Amazon reviewer

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🕯️ The book was published in 2003 and provides the first behind-the-scenes look at Chabad-Lubavitch, showcasing how this Jewish movement grew from a small group into a global presence in over 3,000 cities. 📚 Sue Fishkoff spent a year traveling with Chabad emissaries across America, Israel, and Russia to research the book, experiencing firsthand their outreach work and dedication. 🌍 The Chabad movement sends out married couples called "shluchim" who establish Jewish centers worldwide, often in locations with minimal Jewish infrastructure, from Alaska to Zimbabwe. 👥 The late Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who led Chabad from 1951 to 1994, personally dispatched over 4,000 couples on these missions, transforming Jewish outreach forever. 🎓 Unlike many religious movements that focus inward, Chabad's philosophy emphasizes reaching out to non-observant Jews, leading to innovative programs like "Mitzvah Tanks" - RVs that serve as mobile Jewish resource centers.