Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut's mission is to reach out to others with acts of goodness and kindness. Chabad is a community-based nonprofit organization whose efforts are rooted in traditional Jewish values — and many of its programs help the needy regardless of background or belief. Chabad came to Northwest Connecticut in 1996, and has grown to be the leading social service, educational and Jewish arts organization in the region; from hospital visitations to holiday programs, Camp Gan Israel to the New England Jewish Music and Art Festival. Thanks to generous supporters, Chabad has been able to educate, comfort, and give hope to countless people in need. Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut never stops responding to the call of the soul. Indeed, people helping people is not an item on the agenda. It is the agenda. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Chabad Lubavitch is part of the largest Jewish organization in the world, with over 2,700 branches spanning the globe. Chabad embraces a philosophy of study, meditation, and social outreach that combines rigorous academics with active community involvement. Chabad's growing array of educational and social services programs has made it one of the most dynamic forces in modern Jewish life. 'Chabad' is a Hebrew acronym for 'Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge,' and Lubavitch is the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century. (The word 'Lubavitch' actually means 'brotherly love,' which is emblematic of the dedication that characterizes Chabad Lubavitch and its representatives.) Founded in 1772 by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, Chabad promotes the mystical, traditional, legal and social principles of the Torah — while using modern methods and technology for education, community outreach, crisis intervention, and other social services. Chabad has consistently been at the forefront of Jewish education and community activism.