In New York City, the 'Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue' witnessed intense clashes between the police and Hasidic Jews during an inspection prompted by allegations of illicit tunnel construction underneath. While numerous claims surround the tunnels, I won't delve into them. Chabad-Lubavitch represents the most extreme faction of Messianic Judaism among American Jews, with branches in many countries, including the United States and Israel. The origins of this Jewish sect date back to the 18th century, rooted in the town of Lubavitch in the Smolensk region of White Russia. According to Jewish historians, 'Chabad' is an acronym derived from the first letters of Hebrew words for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. It is said that 'Chabad' drew inspiration from the founder of the sect, Rabbi Shneur Zalman's book, 'Tanya.' The sect gained its name because its leaders resided in Lubavitch until the early 20th century. In 1927, Joseph Yitzchak, one of the leaders expelled from the Soviet Union for organizing underground Jewish education, fled to the United States due to the Nazi occupation of Warsaw in 1940. The sect has been led by Yoseph Yitzchak Schneersohn and his son-in-law Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in America. After Mendel Schneerson's death in 1994 without appointing a successor, the sect took on an entirely Messianic character. Over time, it deviated from traditional Jewish Messianism. Followers of Mendel Schneerson, who believe he is the awaited Messiah, hold this belief despite its rejection by other Jews. Some Orthodox rabbis compare this sect to the Sabbatean movement that emerged in the 17th century in Thessaloniki, Ottoman Empire, and influenced European Jews. Sabbatean Sevi, who declared himself the 'expected Messiah,' was considered heretical by mainstream Jews and was brought to trial by complaining to the Ottoman Court. Some followers of Chabad-Lubavitch Messianism believe that Mendel Schneerson did not die and will reveal himself in due course. Allegedly, Mendel Schneerson sometimes rejected, sometimes silently accepted the view that he was the Messiah during his lifetime. Contrary to other Jews, Chabad Hasidim, as a whole, openly acknowledge Schneerson as the Messiah. Orthodox Jews reject the sect's claims, arguing that a deceased Rabbi cannot be the Messiah. Hasidim dismiss these objections, asserting that Schneerson is alive in the synagogue, a belief emphasized by posters in the vicinity proclaiming, 'Messiah is here.' In short, this synagogue in New York is considered a 'sacred' institution by its followers. Among those who have actively opposed the sect since 1994 is David Berger, one of the Orthodox Jewish theologians. A renowned Jewish historian, Prof. Berger accuses Orthodox Jews' religious leaders of remaining silent or indifferent to the sect. According to him, Hasidim attribute a Messiah-like role to Rabbi Schneerson similar to how Christians attribute to Jesus, challenging the fundamental beliefs of Judaism. In Berger's view, Chabad-Lubavitch's Messianism supports and justifies Christians' belief in the 'second coming of Jesus.' According to Berger, attributing Messianism to Schneerson is a gift bestowed upon Christians. Berger has long attempted to mobilize Orthodox theologians, but Orthodox religious leaders prefer to remain indifferent to avoid direct confrontation with the sect.