Rabbi Mendel and Itty Wuensch, along with their 8-month-old daughter Reva, will be establishing a new Shlichus for English speakers in Netanya, specifically located in the neighborhoods of Ramat Poleg and Ir Yamim.
There has been a tremendous growth in the English speaking community in Israel in general, with specifically this area seeing an amazing new community developing on the beautiful beaches of Netanya. The Wuensch’s have been going every shabbas for the past few months to plant the seeds of their new shlichus and Baruch HaShem, they have just been appointed the Rabbi and Rebbetzin over a new, growing congregation of English speaking Olim called “Tefilat Yamim”.
This congregation was started this past Tishrei by a Mr. Johnathan Gellis and his team, and thanks to their great vision and hard work there is already 100 people attending the Shabbat services. There’s already a strong community atmosphere with truly every member deserving credit for their dedication and enthusiasm to do their part to grow the Tefilat Yamim family. There is people coming from the US, UK, South Africa, Australlia and more. This is just the beginning, as there is many more English speaking Yidden in the area waiting to be reconnected to their true selves.
They are already hard at work planning children’s programming, adult classes, men’s and women’s events, get togethers etc. The first large event they are planning is for Purim to have 230 people come to a full, sit down Seudah.
Just in 2021 alone there was 20,360 new immigrants to Israel, according to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, with the majority speaking English. Most Olim to Israel struggle with the adjustment to the new culture and finding their place in Israeli society. This is a large factor in why people do not move to Israel in the first place. The goal for this shlichus is to fill that need and create a community where English speakers feel they have their home away from home, with every Jewish and communal lifecycle need being catered to.
The reason these neighborhoods have become such a hotbed for English speakers is due to the familiar, American standard of life. Ir Yamim is a brand new neighborhood comprised of luxury condo towers, with Ramat Poleg being an older, more homey neighborhood made of houses and culdesacs. Of course it doesn’t hurt that they are both on the Mediterranean Sea.
Mrs. Itty Wuensch will continue full time in her role as co-director and founder of the Jean Schottenstein Oryah Institute with her partner Mrs. Leah Bostamski. They’ll continue to work tirelessly to improve, grow and innovate the seminary.
The new shluchim were brought down by the Shliach, Rabbi Shneur Brod and Head Shliach of Netanya, Rabbi Volpo.
“We are excited, honored and humbled to become the Rebbe’s shluchim in the ancient home of the Jewish people. This is the fulfillment of our lifelong dream.” – Rabbi Mendel Wuensch
For more information, feel free to reach out to the new shluchim directly.
Rabbi Mendel Wuensch: WhatsApp or Call +972-53-8809063
[email protected]
Rebbetzin Itty Wuensch: WhatsApp +972-53-2551747
mendel and itty are awesome!!
hatzlacha rabbah!!!!
Mazel Tov and much Hatzlacha!!
Awesome couple! Hatzlacha raba!
That’s Meir Abehsera’s aka “The Rebbe’s Whistler”s grandson right there…
Mazal Tov Mendel and Itty!!!
Fife oif der velt!!!