Strict adherance to Jewish laws The Lubavitch movement within Orthodox Judaism was started in 1772 by a rabbi in the town of Lubavitch, Russia. It emphasizes strict adherence to Jewish laws governing daily affairs and religious observances.Lubavitchers also believe that Jews should study and understand Jewish law - a philosophy called Chabad, a word made from the initial letters of the He brew words for wisdom, comprehension and knowledge. The Lubavitch Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson came to the United States in 1941 with the goal of a worldwide Jewish revival. He was called Rebbe, which means "my rabbi," a term used for leaders and sometimes used by school children to refer to their teachers. Thousands of Jews and some gentiles waited in long lines to meet him, ask him questions and receive a dollar, which they were to give to the charity. Before his death, many Lubavitchers had believed the Rebbe was the messiah. Schneerson died in 1994. Ten thousand Jews attended his funeral service in New York City. News organizations have varying estimates, ranging from 250,000 to 1 million, of Lubavitch adherents worldwide. The worldwide headquarters reported at least 750,000 children participate in Lubavitch schools around the globe.