Are Lubavitchers Jewish?

It has been said by some in the Jewish world—and the implication is almost always unkind—that there’s something “un-Jewish” about Lubavitchers, particularly those who believe that the late Menachem Mendel Schneerson was (is?) the messiah. (Chabad is the “religion closest to Judaism,” according to an oft-told joke.) Lubavitchers, understandably, take offense when presented with this line of argument.

Except: Sholom Rubashkin, the former CEO of the beleaguered Agriprocessors slaughterhouse, is currently under court order to stay in Iowa’s Allamakee County until his trial. (He stands accused of 142 counts of fraud, money laundering, and immigration-related violations there.) He has, however, gotten special permission—on “religious” grounds—to travel to New York today. What holiday is he observing? The 15th anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s death. The commemoration, Rubashkin’s lawyer said, is of “exceptional religious significance for those of the Lubavitcher faith.” It’s a faith, we imagine, much like Judaism.

Rubashkin Allowed To Leave Iowa For ‘Jewish’ Holiday [FailedMessiah.com]