The Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) is entering a new chapter. After many years of dedicated service as Executive Director, Rabbi Eli Cohen will continue his work with the organization in a leadership role as Director of Advocacy and Community Relations, where his deep relationships and experience will remain an invaluable asset to the community—relationships that will continue to deepen and help the organization grow. Over the next while, Rabbi Cohen will be in transition, working in full partnership with incoming CEO Rabbi Mendel Marasow to ensure continuity, clarity, and strength throughout the organization.
The CHJCC Board of Directors has appointed Rabbi Mendel Marasow as the incoming Chief Executive Officer. A longtime community leader and nonprofit executive, Rabbi Marasow expressed gratitude for the Board’s confidence and emphasized continuity, gradual improvement, and dedicated service to every individual in the Crown Heights community.
“My goal is to grow off of the new energy now in the community with a new board and new offices and now this,” said Rabbi Marasow. “The CHJCC already stands on a strong foundation of service and care. Our focus now is to strengthen what works, improve communication, and make sure community members know they can turn to us for support and connection.”
With a new facility and the energy of a new year, CHJCC leadership is committed to strengthening internal operations, expanding communication with the community, and ensuring that all who turn to the CHJCC feel supported, connected, and invested in its mission. Together, the organization looks forward to building on its strong foundation and continuing to make the Rebbe proud of the community he chose to call home.
The Board of Directors expressed full confidence in this seamless transition and enthusiasm for the organization’s continued growth and strengthened community impact in the year ahead.
This is an amazing change!! Good luck!
This will really be great.
He ran so many different Moisdois. I’m sure he will
Bring a lot to the table.
Dear Reb Mendel
You are the most qualified person I know for this role !!!!
May you keep this job for years to come. Our community is very Lucky to have you !!!!
He will transform the CHJCC into a true beacon of good and CHESED.
Hatzlocha Rabah
NF
Rabbi Cohen has done a great job and put countless hours in advocating for our community. I’m sure now that Rabbi Morasaw will be joining the Team, the CHJCC can grow even more. Much hatzlacha!!
I’m sure there will be a lot of criticisms to my post, but: You guys promised an accounting and transparency. Yet it has been a long time and all I’ve really seen is that you have gotten new offices and appointed a new CEO. There may have been some street and Citi bike issues that you guys have possibly settled (?) but in reality, the homeless and crime issue is still rampant. (I don’t consider a parade, and Simchas Beis a justification for your election). I didn’t see the justification of moving the offices, but so be it. You may have… Read more »
The Va’ad Hakohol are elected volunteers who serve as the lay board for the CHJCC. They oversee many non-CHJCC matters including the Rabbonim and community advocacy. Expecting them to accomplish huge things in light of the environment they’re working in isn’t realistic or helpful. They give a lot of their time to try their best for the community so people like you and I can leave comments on COL. We should show them appreciation for their efforts and Daven for our community’s success. Much Hatzlocha, Rabbi Marasov!
—Yosef Kanofsky
I’m sure you’ve heard this before but maybe never internalized it, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Not happy about something, don’t say something, do something!
Sorry to you all, but you are skirting the issue completely, and are probably the reason that the CHJCC has had abysmal performance over the past decades. I do INDEED expect them to perform “in light of the environment they’re working in”. There were many candidates, and all of them promised to do better. If this group was not qualified and just “laymen”, they had no business running for election, and furthermore, should not even have been approved. At the very least, I, as a community member, expect them to fulfill their promise to provide services and accountability. I’m happy… Read more »
Very Nice.
Mendel, has great emotional intelligence understands people! Amazing choice wishing you much success
זכות אבותם מסייעתן the זכות הרבים and the רבי ברכות will guide you
All the blessings in this new position
First thing please get rid of half of the unnecessary bike stands. It takes away parking spaces which are so necessary