People often explain to me about why they love Chabad.

“You guys are so open-minded.” “You are so welcoming.” “You don’t judge me.”

They say it with admiration and sincerity.

I get what they mean: Chabad Rabbis and Rebbetzins welcome everyone. Anyone can walk in, religious or not, believer or skeptic, and still be greeted with a warm smile, a seat at the table, and a bowl of chicken soup. We don’t criticize people’s life choices. And we genuinely love every single Jew. It’s the reason why a Jew who hasn’t set foot into a Synagogue in decades is now showing up for a Talmud class with a bearded Chassidic Rabbi.

But here’s the part that annoys me.

I am not open-minded. At all.

When most people use the phrase “open-minded,” they usually mean someone who is open to all ideas and accepts all the choices people make. Because isn’t everyone entitled to their opinion and lifestyle?

Chabad rabbis are not neutral about life’s big questions. Not about morality. Not about purpose. Not about marriage, holiness, the soul, or what it means to live a meaningful life.

On these questions, the Torah has directions.

For........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)