Agudas Chasidei Chabad - Arrival of Rabbi Joseph I Schneersohn To America

Arrival of Rabbi Joseph I Schneersohn To America

In the winter of 1940, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn arrived in America. The members of Agudas Chassidei Chabad recognized that the Rebbe needed a home, and so they set out to purchase one. They also amended the articles of incorporation to include the following (From the Certificate of Incorporation, July 25, 1940):

First: The name of the corporation shall be AGUDAS CHASIDEI CHABAD OF UNITED STATES.

Second: "Agudas Chassidei Chabad" consists of the union of pious orthodox Jews whose conception of religion is piety, study, knowledge, mutual helpfulness and charity, all of which are practiced in a spirit of sincerity, cheerfulness, humbleness and modesty; with a full appreciation of and adherence to the spirit of Americanism and Democracy.

Third: The purposes for which this corporation is formed are as follows:

(a) To promote the religious, intellectual, moral and social welfare among its members and their families.

(b) To foster the spirit of Americanism among its members and families inculcating a love of Democracy and the basic principles upon which the American democracy is founded, all without any political affiliation or implication whatever.

(c) to foster the spirit of orthodox Judaism among its members and their families and among members of the Jewish faith.

(d) To establish, maintain and conduct a place of worship in accordance with the Chasidic ritual and mode of worship of the Jewish Orthodox faith, customs and traditions, for its members, their families and friends.

(e) To establish and maintain groups and study circles for the study and diffusion of the principles of Chabad Chasidism, to wit: devotion to the orthodox Jewish religion, study, learning, knowledge, mutual helpfulness and charity, all of which are to be practiced in a spirit of sincerity, cheerfulness, humbleness and modesty with a full appreciation of and adherence to the spirit of Americanism and Democracy.

(f) To support, maintain and conduct a school for the study of the Holy Law and maintain classes for the teachings of the customs and traditions of the Jewish Orthodox faith.

(g) The aforesaid mode of worship and all religious activities shall be under the jurisdiction of Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn, Chief Rabbi, of the Hierarchy of the Agudas Chasidei Chabad, and his successors.

(h) To acquire, own and maintain real and personal property to house its activities, and to provide a suitable place wherein the Chief Rabbi of the Hierarchy of the Agudas Chasidei Chabad may maintain and carry on the religious activities of said Hierarchy.

(I) To maintain branches in such states, territories, governments or countries as will be found necessary properly to carry on the work of this corporation but always subject to the laws of the States, Governments or countries in which such branches will be situated. To enroll members throughout the United States and Canada to assist in the purposes and activities hereinabove set forth.

Fourth: The principal office of said corporation shall be located at 770 Eastern Parkway, in the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York.