New Shluchim to AZ Tourist Town

By COLlive reporter

The Chabad Jewish Community Center of Flagstaff in Arizona has announced the addition of new Shluchim on the eve of Gimmel Tammuz, the yartzeit of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Shmulik and Yael Moscowitz will be joining Rabbi Dovie and Chaya Shapiro in expanding and enhancing the ever-growing programs and activities of the Chabad center.

Since 2006, the Shapiros have been serving local Jews, students at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the tourists that pass through Flagstaff on their way to the Grand Canyon and other wonders of nature that northern Arizona has to offer.

Working out of a small storefront, they knew it was a matter of time before they would need to expand into a center that would accommodate their growing operation.

A small town located 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff has a diverse Jewish population, a significant Jewish student body and many tourists and vacationers who come to enjoy the pristine snow and other outdoor attractions.

“With the exciting recent development of building the new center and the exceptional growth over the past 10 years, we are confident that Rabbi Shmulik and Yael will help take our community to the next level of growth,” said Rabbi Shapiro.

The Moscowitzs will be moving in mid-July with Rabbi Shmulik taking up the position of Director of Community Engagement and Young Jewish Professionals (YJP) and Yael directing CTeen Youth Programming, including Hebrew School of the Arts, Camp Gan Israel, and year-round activities.

They were appointed by Rabbi Zalman Levertov, Head Shliach of Arizona. A special thanks to Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, for his ongoing support and guidance.

“Rabbi and Mrs. Moscowitz are known and loved for their warmth and friendliness and are well experienced in engaging with youth and general community outreach,” Rabbi Shapiro said.

The Chicago-born Rabbi Moscowitz is also an experienced cantor and will enhance the Chabad center’s weekly Shabbos and holiday services with his singing.

He and Yael (nee Michaan of S. Paulo, Brazil) have already become familiar with the Flagstaff community during the many holidays they spent here and their time as staff members in Camp Gan Israel.

To contribute to the new Shluchim, visit jewishflagstaff.com/donate and include in the comments “in honor of Rabbi Shmulik and Yael.”