About This Atlas

The Rebbe's Global Reach is an interactive historical atlas documenting the worldwide spread of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's legacy — Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch. From a small movement rooted in 18th-century Eastern Europe, the Rebbe transformed Chabad into a global network whose presence today spans more than 100 countries.

The Rebbe's Travels

The Rebbe's life journey crossed cities and countries that shaped the Jewish story of the twentieth century. Born in Nikolaev, Ukraine, he grew up in Yekaterinoslav—today Dnipro—and later traveled through Leningrad, Riga and Warsaw. Following his marriage, the Rebbe lived in Berlin and then Paris, while frequently traveling throughout Europe on communal missions and to meet leading Torah scholars. Escaping Nazi-occupied France, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin journeyed through Vichy, Nice, Marseille and Lisbon before arriving in New York in 1941. Each location represents more than a point on a map: it reflects a chapter of Torah scholarship, courageous Jewish leadership, escape from persecution and preparation for the worldwide Jewish renaissance the Rebbe would ultimately inspire from New York.

Shluchim

Shluchim—Hebrew for "emissaries"—are the men and women who accepted the Rebbe's call to dedicate their lives to serving Jewish communities around the world. Together with their families, they establish permanent homes in communities large and small, often far from established Jewish life. Through personal relationships, Torah study, mitzvah opportunities, education and compassionate support, they ensure that every Jew has a place to belong and a connection to their heritage.

Chabad Centers

Chabad Centers are welcoming Jewish community hubs established and led by the Rebbe's Shluchim. Each center is tailored to the needs of its local community and may provide prayer services, holiday celebrations, Jewish education, children's programs, social services, kosher food and personal guidance. More than buildings or synagogues, they are intended to be open, accessible Jewish homes where every person is welcomed regardless of background, knowledge or level of observance.

Letters Sent

This is a small portion of the over 100,000 letters the Rebbe sent over the years in many languages. For them to appear on this page, we needed both a date and location where it was sent. Not always did we have that information. As we access more records, we will make them publicly available.

Merkos Shlichus

Merkos Shlichus, popularly known as the "Roving Rabbis" program, sends pairs of rabbinical students to visit Jewish individuals and underserved communities around the world. Traveling to remote towns, rural areas, military bases and isolated communities, they bring Jewish books and supplies, teach Torah, assist with mitzvah observance and create personal connections. These visits have often laid the groundwork for permanent Chabad Centers and lasting Jewish communities.

Tanyas Printed

Tanya is the foundational work of Chabad Chassidic philosophy, written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad. The Rebbe initiated a worldwide campaign to print Tanya in every location where Jewish people live or gather. Each locally printed edition symbolizes that the teachings of Chassidus—and the ability to develop a meaningful relationship with G-d—belong to every Jew, in every place, including the most distant corners of the world.