New Shluchim to Chicago

“When you’ve got the largest park in Chicago right in your back yard, there’s no excuse for being a couch potato.”

Over the years Lincoln Park has gained a reputation as one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. Its brick home, tree-lined residential streets, stretches of nightlife, boutique shopping and entertainment are the ideal union of serenity and fun.

As of 2015, the community is primarily made up of young, urban professionals, recent college graduates, and young families. It is a magnet for singles in their 20s and 30s, many of whom stay to start families here. The student population at Depaul University interjects a youthful vibe as well.

“As a child growing up in Lincoln Park I always envisioned myself coming back to be part of and have an impact on the community,” says Rabbi Mendy Benhiyoun, the son of Rabbi Meir Chai and Rivka Benhiyoun who established the first Chabad in the area in 1987.

Recently, in September of 2012 Chabad Lincoln Park was re-established by Rabbi Eliyahu Benhiyoun and his family. Through his leadership, a dynamic and energetic core group of people formed. Leaders who have the determination to see the vision of a community and were willing to take the risks needed to carry it out. An Advisory Committee was set up early on, a DePaul student group was created, and finally a Hebrew School was established with the demand growing by the year.

Due to personal matters, Rabbi Eliyahu has made the decision to step aside as the director and Rabbi of Chabad of Lincoln Park and Depaul University and open the door to a new chapter for this warm and budding community.

In light of this, Rabbi Mendy Benhiyoun and his wife, Mrs. Brocha Benhiyoun, together with their adorable son Eli, have been appointed as the new Shluchim (Chabad emissaries) and directors of Chabad of Lincoln Park & DePaul University with the blessings of Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun, director of the Center for Jewish Life which oversees the Chabad centers in the Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and South Loop and Rabbi Meir Shimon Moscowitz, director of Chabad of Illinois starting the week of August 1st, 2016 / 26 Tammuz, 5776.

Mendy is known for his deep insight and warm demeanor. Brocha is a dynamic person who ran programming for the Jewish School for the Arts in Palm Beach, FL and has seen its growth to this day.

Chabad of Lincoln Park is financially independent and does not receive support from any other source other than donors like you!

A campaign was set to reach the goal of $12,000. Please support us in continuing to grow the Jewish community in Lincoln Park by donating through this link: www.youcaring.org/chabaddowntown