In the 1940s, when Chabad-Lubavitch came to the United States, the first order of business was to establish schools and quality educational programs for children, promoting Jewish values, holidays and observances. In 1980, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, expanded these efforts by establishing “Tzivos Hashem” (“G-d’s Army”), an international network of educational organizations exclusively for children under the age of 13, channeling the natural enthusiasm and sincerity of children to lay the foundation for a Jewish future.

Chabad-Lubavitch offers innovative programs—such as model shofar and matzah factories, Lag B’Omer children’s parades, Chanukah theater, and beginner’s Shabbat—to teach children about Jewish history and culture in an interactive and entertaining environment, Today, Chabad-Lubavitch is the largest and most vibrant Jewish youth organization in the world,with more than 91,000 members in North America and over 210,000 members worldwide, all under the age of 13.

• In 2003, more than 177,000 children toured Chabad-Lubavitch model matzah factories worldwide, experiencing the history, meaning and joy of Passover.More than half of these children are from unaffiliated Jewish families.