Our Mission

What is F.R.E.E.?

The central mission of F.R.E.E. of Brighton Beach is to develop a modern, vibrant center that provides educational, social, cultural and recreational programming for the Russian-Jewish community in New York. We seek to inspire and support Russian-Jews, regardless of age or background, so that the teachings, lifestyle and values of our Jewish heritage are experienced as relevant, rich and meaningful.

F.R.E.E. of Brighton Beach is a satellite branch of Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (F.R.E.E.), headquartered in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. F.R.E.E. is an organization within the international Chabad-Lubavitch network of over 4,000 centers dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish community worldwide. F.R.E.E.’s specific mission focuses on the unique needs of the Russian speaking-Jewish community.

To read more about F.R.E.E., visit www.russianjewry.org . To read more about Chabad-Lubavitch’s international work on behalf of world Jewry, visit www.lubavitch.com .

What is Chabad-Lubavitch?

Chabad-Lubavitch is part of the Chassidic movement that began in the late 1700’s by Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov sought to bring the ultimate experience of Judaism within reach of each and every individual Jew, i.e. to serve G‑d with love, sincerity, passion and enjoyment. This enthusiasm for Judaism is an integral part of our activities at F.R.E.E.

Another underlying doctrine of Chabad is based on the principle of “Ahavat Yisrael” (love for a fellow Jew). The goal of Chabad is to serve the spiritual and physical needs of each Jew regardless of affiliation, wherever he or she may be, with understanding and with love. It’s our belief that every individual Jew has an indispensable contribution to make to the totality of the Jewish people. In this light, Chabad seeks to engage fellow Jews at their own pace and comfort level through innovative educational programs in all areas of Jewish life. Appropriately, the word Lubavitch (the name of the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century) is Russian for “city of brotherly love.” The name Lubavitch conveys the essence of the responsibility and love engendered by the Chabad philosophy toward every single Jew.

Another cornerstone of Chabad is the belief that the key to experiencing Judaism as meaningful and relevant is the study of Torah, particularly its innermost dimensions, namely the study of Chassidic philosophy. The word “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of: chachmah (wisdom), binah (comprehension) and da’at (knowledge). The movement’s system of philosophy explores 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.

The Chabad-Lubavitch movement today is inspired by the vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Read about the Rebbe’s special interest and involvement in the establishment of F.R.E.E. and F.R.E.E. of Brighton Beach in History. To learn more about this pioneering Jewish leader visit www.therebbe.org.