Our challenge: Find 10 Jews under the age of 40 in Washington State who are making an impact on their communities. Our next challenge? Whittling down the list. These 10 extraordinary individuals come from many different walks of life and do many different things to garner them this honor, but each has this in common: They are all dedicated to the work they’re doing, and whether it’s in Jewish communal work, for a specific cause, or something else entirely, they are clearly doing something right.
– Joel Magalnick, Editor, JTNews
Rabbi Shalom Dov “Berry” and Nechama Farkash
When Rabbi Berry Farkash, 29, and his wife Nechama, 27, first visited Issaquah in 2003 to host a Purim celebration for the community they would soon be serving, they knew no one.
“We sat down together and went through the phone book,” Berry Farkash recalls. “We called every Jewish name, told them what we were doing, and invited them to come.”
About 15 people attended that first event and they became Chabad of the Central Cascades’ original contacts. Seven years later, the organization boasts a list of almost 1,200 participants.
Right out of the gate, Chabad of the Central Cascades was considered one of the fastest growing Chabads in the country. Berry attributes his early success to two factors: Location and hard work.
“There was definitely a need,” he says. “We came at the perfect time. Everyone was moving into the [Issaquah] Highlands. A lot of families had just moved to the area — a lot of unaffiliated people.”
Combine good timing with a dedication to outreach and you have the Farkashes’ recipe for success.
“We spent a lot of time and energy,” Berry says.
And they’re still growing. Last fall, Chabad of the Central Cascades celebrated the dedication of its permanent Chabad House. This new space has opened up opportunities for additional programming, including an in-house preschool, the playground for which is being installed this week.
Berry Farkash is originally from Jerusalem, but was living in New York prior to coming to Issaquah. It was in New York that he married Nechama, who has been his partner both in life and career ever since.
While Berry takes responsibility for leading services and teaching at Chabad of the Central Cascades, Nechama runs the Hebrew school, summer day camp, and leads women’s classes.
“She works very hard,” Berry says. “You should maybe write this about my wife more than me.”
Which is why we took liberties with this one individual and made it two — the entire family, actually. For in addition to their work for Chabad, the Farkashes are also busy caring for their three young children who range in age from 2 to 6.
“Between raising the family and doing this, it’s a lot of good blessings,” Berry says.
the succes comes from the rebbe not from you you just have the zchus but is not you koiach
Working for the Farkashes was the best summer experience in my life!!!
Wow mazel tov berry and nechama!!! You are very special real shluchim who deserve all the best!!! Keep up your great work!!
We miss you here in ny!
sistr and brother in law
Continued Hatzlacha Begur!!
great shliach,super mom/shluchah/aishes chayil,much hatzlacho in all your excellent work!!!!!!
go bery!!!!!!!!
Berry and Nechama keep up the Great work! Behind every successful man stands an amazing wife.
good job barry
they really DO work so hard and everyone in their chabad house loves them!!!
We are so proud of you! Keep up the great work!