New Shluchim to ‘Wine Country’

Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Wenger (née Wolvovsky) were announced as the newest Chabad Shluchim to California who will be establishing Chabad of Sonoma Valley and increasing Jewish activity at the nearby Sonoma State University.

Sonoma Valley, nestled in California’s wine country, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and top-notch wineries. Stretching from Sonoma to Glen Ellen, it draws around 2.5 million tourists annually who flock for its wine and outdoor adventures. With a population of about 40,000, the valley’s close-knit community cherishes its charm and heritage, making it a beloved destination for both visitors and those seeking a peaceful home.

Rabbi Wenger, a Montreal native, graduated from Chabad Yeshivos and has a rich background in outreach work. He has organized Jewish programs and holiday events across diverse countries, including India, Hungary, Barbados, and Cyprus. His advocacy efforts for Jewish inmates and military personnel with the Aleph Institute further highlight his dedication. Additionally, Rabbi Wenger has taught at United Lubavitch Yeshiva, where he has passionately instilled a love of Torah in his students.

Chaya Wenger grew up on shlichus in Santa Rosa, CA, where her parents, Rabbi Mendel and Altie Wolvovsky, lead Chabad of Sonoma County. Over the years, she has taught Middle and High School students in Crown Heights and worked at various Hebrew Schools, including Chabad of Valley Stream and Chabad of Wayne, NJ. Driven by her passion for education and community building, Chaya is enthusiastic about establishing a new Jewish center in Sonoma.

The Wengers’ focus will be making Torah’s teaching and practice available and exciting to all. “We are very excited to begin this Shlichus,” they said.

The Wengers have been appointed by Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of the West Coast, and Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky, Shliach to Sonoma County.

For the next 60 hours, they are running a Charidy Campaign to raise the necessary funds to launch this new Chabad Center. The Campaign page can be found here: https://charidy.com/Sonoma