About Us
Rabbi Schneur & Devorah Kaplan founded the Downtown Jewish Center Chabad in 2003.
Our philosophy, way of life, mission, inclusive approach in serving g-d and reaching out to our fellow Jew and all of mankind, is based on the teaching of the worldwide spiritual leader Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
Rabbi Scneershon inspired us to reach out to all Jews with unconditional love and to provide an opportunity for meaningful, life enhancing spiritual experiences; through innovative programing, learning and prayer, all in a non judgmental accepting environment. The Rebbe also taught us that in our role as a light unto the nations, we must work together with people of good will of all faiths, to make the world a better place by promoting acts of goodness and kindness.
Our center located at 900 E Broward Blvd. serves as a meeting place for social, religious, educational, cultural, and family events. Where young and old regardless of their background, level of observance or affiliation, can enhance their awareness of the Jewish faith and its traditions.
The DJC Chabad is based on the ideology of Chabad Lubavitch, which emphasizes the enriching of our daily life experience with a comprehensive religious life system, based on intellect leading to action . This way of life is embodied in the Hebrew acronym ChaBaD, standing for wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Chabad encompasses the precept of combining the love of G-d and the love of mankind, and to actualize that love with Actions and expressions of loving kindness. The DJC Chabad helps to develop the spiritual inner-self of the person. Manifesting the concept that Jewishness or Judaism is not merely a weekend religion, but a way of life.
We take pride in creating an ambiance of love and acceptance by teaching tolerance and awareness of G-dliness to all.
Our communal services in which all of the congregates participate, takes on a joyous spirituality, expressing connectedness through song, personal expression and meditation in prayer.
In addition, our multivaried educational classes and study sessions have become a hallmark of our community and have brought us to a newfound appreciation of the quote of the great sage Rabbi Hanina: "Much Torah have I learnt from my teachers, more from my colleagues, but from my students most of all" (Babylonian Talmud, Ta'anit 7a)
We are genuinely overwhelmed by the tremendous response of the community in embracing our vision and for acting as our partners in seeing it to its fruition. We could not have come this far without the concrete commitment of the members of this community and their willingness to be a part of this great endeavor.
The success of the Jewish center is merely a sum total of this communities collective efforts.
Rabbi Schneur & Devorah Kaplan
DJCC Q & A
Q: What is Chabad
A: Embracing the philosophy of the Chabad Lubavitch Movement, which originated in the town of Lubavitch in White Russia during the 18th century, Chabad's underlying doctrine is "Ahavat Yisrael" (love for a fellow Jew). Chabad recognizes no differences between Jews; its goal is to serve the spiritual and physical needs of each Jew regardless of affiliation or backround, with understanding, sensitivity and with love.
By means of a rare combination that blends traditional Judaism with modern day techniques, Chabad has found the formula to develop a rapport with the most alienated of Jews and to enhance their Jewish outlook. By arousing an intellectual and/or emotional interest in our faith, Chabad has become the catalyst to connect Jews with their Jewish roots and revive the sparks of Jewish consciousness in the hearts and minds of each Jew.
Q: Do i have to be Orthodox to participate in programs offered by DJC Chabad?
A: DJC Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental and our programs are open to all. In fact, the majority of people who participate in programs at DJC Chabad would not consider themselves to be Orthodox. The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic spirit and joy, but in no way is the commitment to an Orthodox lifestyle a prerequisite to one's acceptance at Chabad functions.
Q: Is the goal of Chabad to make me Orthodox?
A: our goal at DJC Chabad is not out to make one Orthodox. we are an educational organization dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment an observance. at DJC Chabad we invite you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere. All of our classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and rituals. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace. Each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in ones personal growth.
Q: Does Chabad consider Reform, Conservative, or non-practicing Jews as "real" Jews?
A: A Jew is a Jew is a Jew – period. Chabad avoids labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create barriers between us. Jewish Law has traditionally considered anyone born of a Jewish mother or converted in accordance with Halacha to be a Jew, regardless of his or her degree of observance. We have one Torah, we are one People, and we have one G-d. Chabad endeavors to bring unity among the Jewish community through our common bond of Jewish faith and observance.
Q: Do women occupy a secondary position in Chabad philosophy?
A: Secondary? No! The high
standing of Jewish women in Chabad is central to the survival of
Judaism. As the cornerstone of Jewish family life, the woman can attain a
profound and meaningful spirituality, one that fulfills her deepest
needs and aspirations opening fresh perspectives on self-understanding,
growth and Torah knowledge. Ignorance, misconceptions, and outright
myths about Jewish women have prevailed until very recently, turning
many people away from an appreciation of Torah and a traditional Jewish
lifestyle. Chabad is working hard to correct those misconceptions.
Our Spiritual Leader
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson ob"m
for more on the Rebbe click here
The Lubavitcher Rebbe addressing a Lag ba'omer gathering, standing behind the Rebbe in full uniform is Rabbi Chaim Gutncik OB"M Chief Rabbi of Australia and Chief Chaplain of the Royal Victorian Army (Rabbi Gutnick is Devorah Kaplan's maternal grandfather)
Rabbi Schneur Kaplan received Rabbinical Ordination from Rabbi Chaim Gutnick.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rabbi J.J. Hecht OB"M at a Lag Ba'omer parade.
Rabbi Hecht Chairman of the NCFJE also served as the Rebbe's translator.
(Rabbi J.J. Hecht is Devorah Kaplan's paternal Grandfather)