The Philosophy
Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization. It is considered to be the most dynamic force in Jewish life today.
The word “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of chochmah—wisdom,binah—comprehension and da’at—knowledge. The movement’s system of Jewish religious philosophy, the deepest dimension of G‑d’s Torah, teaches understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of creation, and the importance and unique mission of each creature. This philosophy guides a person to refine and govern his or her every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension and knowledge.
The word “Lubavitch” is the name of the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century. Appropriately, the word Lubavitch in Russian means the “city of brotherly love.” The name Lubavitch conveys the essence of the responsibility and love engendered by the Chabad philosophy toward every single Jew.
The Movement
Following its inception 250 years ago, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement—a branch of Hasidism—swept through Russia and spread in surrounding countries as well. It provided scholars with answers that eluded them, and simple farmers with a love that had been denied them. Eventually the philosophy of Chabad-Lubavitch and its adherents reached almost every corner of the world and affected almost every facet of Jewish life.
The Leadership
The movement is guided by the teachings of its seven leaders (“Rebbes”), beginning with Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi of righteous memory (1745–1812). These leaders expounded upon the most refined and delicate aspects of Jewish mysticism, creating a corpus of study thousands of books strong. They personified the age-old Biblical qualities of piety and leadership. And they concerned themselves not only with Chabad-Lubavitch, but with the totality of Jewish life, spiritual and physical. No person or detail was too small or insignificant for their love and dedication.
In our generation, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory (1902–1994), known simply as “the Rebbe,” guided post-holocaust Jewry to safety from the ravages of that devastation.
The Organization
The origins of today’s Chabad-Lubavitch organization can be traced to the early 1940s, when the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of righteous memory (1880–1950), appointed his son-in-law and later successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, to head the newly founded educational and social service arms of the movement.
Motivated by his profound love for every Jew and spurred by his boundless optimism and self-sacrifice, the Rebbe set into motion a dazzling array of programs, services and institutions to serve every Jew.
Today 4,000 full-time emissary families apply 250-year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 3,300 institutions (and a workforce that numbers in the tens of thousands) dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
Chabad at Florida International University
Our Mission
Our mission at Chabad at FIU is to promote and strengthen Jewish knowledge, pride, and involvement in all things Jewish. We invite every Jewish student, regardless of background or affiliation, to feel welcomed and accepted.
Our Staff 
With an extensive backround in Jewish outreach, Rabbi Berel and Henny Garelik are excited to embark on their latest endeavor.
Rabbi Berel hails from Brooklyn, NY. Growing up next to Chabad Headquarters, Berel always knew he wanted to dedicate his life to bringing Jews closer to Judaism. Berel completed his Rabbinical certification in Melbourne, Australia, served in the Israeli Defense Forces in the Golani brigade, and worked in the Mayanot Yeshivah in Jerusalem. He also traveled the globe to assist in Chabad activities from Syracuse, NY, to Dunedin, New Zealand and many places in between.
Henny grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. After completing a year of study in Israel, she went on to earn her Masters degree in Education and has worked in the preschool field. She has also worked in Chabad Centers in Silver Spring, Maryland, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Kingston, NY.
The Gareliks, together with their children Moussia, Gershon Mendel, and Miri, are looking forward to serving the Jewish students at Florida International University.
