Tzivos Hashem

International Jewish children's organization of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement

Tzivos Hashem
Type	Jewish youth organization
Founder(s)	Menachem Mendel Schneerson (Lubavitcher Rebbe)
Headquarters	792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Website	tzivoshashem.org

Tzivos Hashem (Hebrew: צבאות השם, Tzivot Hashem, literally "Army of God") is the international children's organization of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement. Founded in 1980 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, it engages Jewish children (under bar or bat mitzvah age) in Torah study, mitzvot, and Jewish identity through fun, age-appropriate programs, portraying participants as "soldiers" in the "Army of God".

Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Tzivos Hashem operates a global network of local programs, primarily through Chabad centers, reaching hundreds of thousands of children worldwide with publications, rallies, museums, and interactive activities.

History

Tzivos Hashem was established in the fall of 1980 (5741) at the initiative of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who sought to instil pride, responsibility, and Jewish observance in children amid modern challenges to traditional education. The Rebbe designed the emblem, hosted children's rallies at 770 Eastern Parkway, and encouraged global enrollment. Early milestones included the launch of The Moshiach Times magazine, radio shows, Pesach experiences, and Lag BaOmer parades. By 1983, enrollment exceeded 250,000 children worldwide.

The organization expanded with the Jewish Children's Museum (opened 2004), mobile Big Rig museum, CKids missions, Bat Mitzvah Clubs (over 400 chapters), and programs in the former Soviet Union, Israel, and beyond. It continues to produce educational materials, host international rallies, and support special-needs initiatives like Friendship Circle.

Programs and activities

Tzivos Hashem offers a variety of engaging programs, including:

• Chayolei Tzivos Hashem – A brigade for Chabad children and young shluchim with missions, ranks, and rallies.
• Jewish Children's Museum – Interactive exhibitions in Brooklyn.
• The Great Jewish Big Rig – A mobile discovery museum touring the U.S.
• CKids – Mission-based program for discovering Torah and mitzvot.
• Bat Mitzvah Club – Empowerment program for tween girls in over 30 countries.
• Hachai Publishing – Quality Jewish children's books.
• Living Lessons – Torah learning materials.
• Friendship Circle Brooklyn – Inclusion for children with special needs.
• Jewish Workshops – Hands-on craft activities (e.g., Model Matzah Bakery).
• Moshiach Times – Children's magazine.
• JewishKids.org – Online games, videos, and resources (joint with Chabad.org).

Branches and local programs

Tzivos Hashem does not operate as independent branches but as local clubs and programs affiliated with Chabad-Lubavitch centers worldwide. The central organization in Brooklyn coordinates resources, materials, and international rallies, while local Chabad shluchim run Tzivos Hashem or CKids activities.

• • United States:**
• Tzivos Hashem Brooklyn (headquarters, New York)
• Tzivos Hashem Port Washington (Long Island, New York)
• Tzivos Hashem Hartford (Connecticut)
• Tzivos Hashem Cleveland (Ohio)
• Tzivos Hashem Mid-Hudson Valley (New York)
• Local programs at hundreds of Chabad centers, including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and others.

• • Other countries:**
• Tzivos Hashem Israel (programs in major cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv)
• Tzivos Hashem Russia and former Soviet Union (extensive network of youth clubs and camps)
• Tzivos Hashem UK
• Tzivos Hashem Australia
• Tzivos Hashem Canada
• Tzivos Hashem France
• Tzivos Hashem South Africa
• Tzivos Hashem in India, Argentina, Brazil, and many other countries with Chabad presence.

Local programs are often branded as "Tzivos Hashem Club" or "CKids" and adapt central materials for community needs.

See also

• Chabad-Lubavitch
• Jewish Children's Museum (Brooklyn)
• Friendship Circle

External links

• Official website
• Chayolei Tzivos Hashem