New Shluchim to Shoreline, WA

Rabbi Sadya and Shimona Davidoff, along with their daughter Chaya Cherna, have recently moved from Brooklyn, NY to the North Seattle area to open a new Chabad center in the city of Shoreline, WA. They were recruited by Chabad’s Pacific Northwest Director, Rabbi Shalom Ber Levitin.

Shoreline is located about 11 miles north of Seattle. With convenient access to the I-5 freeway, the road used by most residents in the area to commute to almost anywhere, Shoreline has recently become a desirable location for those who want to live in a quiet suburban neighborhood, yet still have a quick and easy access to the city. Amongst them are many Jews.

Shoreline is not an unfamiliar place to Shimona as her family already lives there. Her parents, Rabbi Yechezkel and Ora Rapoport, head the local Chabad Jewish Russian Center for Russian speaking Jews.

For Rabbi Sadya, who is originally from Los Angeles, living in Shoreline will be an adjustment. “It’s interesting, coming from a thriving large Jewish community to a place where initially, YOU ARE the community itself, so to speak. It’s an awesome and exciting opportunity!”

A recent study showed that Washington state is home to approximately 72,185 Jews, including Seattle and its surrounding suburbs. “We [Jews] are here, but it just doesn’t look like it because we’re lacking a much needed sense of community” said Guy, a Jewish real estate agent in Shoreline whom the couple met during their search for a new home.

The new Shluchim have already begun their activities by introducing new programs, such as Shabbat dinners for guests and community members, a ‘Torah & Tea on Tuesdays’ class given by Rabbi Sadya, as well as a monthly Challah baking experience organized and ran by the young Rebbetzin. “This is just the beginning,” says Shimona. “We are currently expanding our activities and soon, you’ll get to hear all about them!”

“Our mission is to ignite the spark of Judaism within every Jew in our community,” Sadya says. “Seattle is home to the very first Starbucks, and now you can find one within a mile of wherever you are. Chabad must be as much, if not more accessible, as we are striving to quench the thirst for spirituality in every Jew.”

You can participate in their Shlichus by visiting chabadofshoreline.org and clicking ‘Donate Now”.