What is chabad bible?

The term "Chabad Bible" most commonly refers to "The Torah: Chabad Translation" or, more specifically, the English translation and commentary on the Torah produced under the auspices of Chabad-Lubavitch, most notably the works published by Kehot Publication Society, Chabad's official publishing house. The most well-known such work is the translation and commentary based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbes, particularly drawing on the Tanya and Chassidic farbrengens (gatherings).

Key Takeaways

"Chabad Bible" most likely refers to Kehot Publication Society's Torah translations and commentaries rooted in Chabad Chassidic teachings.
Chabad's approach to Torah study is heavily influenced by Kabbalistic and Chassidic interpretation, especially the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Chabad Rebbes.
The most authoritative Chabad Torah commentary draws heavily from Rashi, Maimonides (Rambam), and Chassidic discourses (maamarim).
Chabad emphasizes that every word of the Torah has multiple layers of meaning — pshat, remez, drash, and sod — a framework known as PaRDeS.
These are traditional Jewish Torah works, not a separate Bible or canon — the underlying Hebrew text is the standard Masoretic Text.

What Is the "Chabad Bible"?

Most Likely Meaning: Kehot Torah Publications

The phrase "Chabad Bible" is an informal term. It most commonly refers to one of the following:

"The Torah: With an Interpolated English Translation and Commentary" — a Kehot publication that weaves commentary directly into the English translation, drawing on Rashi and Chabad Chassidic thought.
"Chumash with Targum Onkelos, Haphtaroth and Rashi's Commentary" — a classic text widely used in Chabad communities.
Works like "Torah Ohr" and "Likkutei Torah" by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad), which are Chassidic discourses on the weekly Torah portions — sometimes called Chabad's "inner Torah."

The Underlying Text

It is important to note: Chabad does not use a different Bible. The Hebrew text is the standard Masoretic Text (Nusach HaMesorah), the same authoritative Hebrew text used by all traditional Jewish communities. What differs is the translation, commentary, and interpretive lens.

Chabad's Approach to Torah Interpretation

The Four Levels — PaRDeS

Chabad Torah study operates on four levels, represented by the acronym PaRDeS:

Pshat (פְּשָׁט) — the plain, literal meaning
Remez (רֶמֶז) — allegorical or philosophical meaning
Drash (דְּרָשׁ) — homiletical/rabbinic interpretation
Sod (סוֹד) — the mystical/Kabbalistic meaning

Chabad uniquely emphasizes the sod level through the lens of Chabad Chassidus, the intellectual school of Kabbalah founded by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in the late 18th century.

Key Influences on Chabad Torah Commentary

Rashi [Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, 1040–1105] — The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, gave famous weekly sichos (talks) analyzing every word of Rashi's commentary on the Torah, later compiled into the monumental work Likutei Sichot (38 volumes).
Maimonides (Rambam) — Chabad has a strong tradition of daily Rambam study, as instituted by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
The Baal Shem Tov and subsequent Chassidic masters — providing spiritual and mystical dimensions to every Torah portion.

Key Chabad Torah Publications

| Work | Author/Publisher | Description | |---|---|---| | Torah Ohr | Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi | Chassidic discourses on Bereishit–Shemot | | Likkutei Torah | Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi | Discourses on Vayikra–Devarim + holidays | | Likutei Sichot | Rabbi M.M. Schneerson | 38-vol. Chassidic Torah commentary | | Kehot Chumash | Kehot Publication Society | English translation with Rashi & commentary | | Gutnick Edition Chumash | Chaim Miller / Kol Menachem | English Chumash with Chabad commentary |

The Gutnick Edition

One of the most widely used "Chabad Bibles" in English-speaking communities is the Gutnick Edition Chumash (published by Kol Menachem), which provides:

A clear English translation
Commentary rooted in the Lubavitcher Rebbe's sichos and maamarim
Insights from classic commentators filtered through a Chassidic perspective

Why Chabad's Approach Is Distinctive

Chabad Chassidus teaches that the Torah is not merely a legal or historical document, but literally "God's wisdom" — infinite divine intelligence clothed in finite words. As the Tanya [Rabbi Schneur Zalman, Chapter 5] explains, when one studies Torah, one is connecting with Chochmah Ila'ah (Supreme Divine Wisdom) itself.

This gives Chabad Torah commentary a deeply inward and spiritual character — every law, narrative, and letter is seen as a map of the human soul and its relationship with God.

If you had a specific publication in mind when asking about the "Chabad Bible," feel free to clarify and I can give you more targeted information! For personal guidance on Torah study resources, consult your local rabbi or posek.