Young American Lubavitch Community Forms in Jerusalem

By Mordi Wolf
Photos: Liba Farkash

A new young Lubavitch community is forming in Yerushalayim, and their grassroots beginning is kindling a bright future.

Until a year and a half ago, there was no specific center in the Holy City for young Lubavitch Americans to call home. “For a while, we have been looking for a sense of community and love,” a young mother, Ma’ayan Russel, commented. As more singles, couples, and families settle the quaint streets of Yerushalayim, the necessity for a welcoming center is more vital than ever.

Recognizing this void, two young Lubavitchers, Zalmy Mochkin, a local artist, and Yisrael New, slowly networked and built a budding Lubavitch community. “We aim to create a community, powered by individuals, encouraging young Lubavitch men and women to act as leaders in spreading Chassidus to the wider English-speaking audience,” says Yisrael.

The community hosts weekly Shiurim, facilitates chavrusas, and arranges uplifting farbrengens for the chassidishe Yomim Tovim. Until now, they have been renting a small space on 31 Nisim Bahar Street for Shabbos Minyanim, which they are quickly outgrowing.

On a typical Shabbos, tens of men and women pack into the small storefront for a beautiful Davening, followed by a joyous Kiddush. “It gives us, newly married couples, a community and a place to connect,” says Chaim Andrusier, a current member originally from California. “I’m very grateful to this growing community for creating this incredible vibe, a home away from home.”

On Tuesday night, Shushan Purim Katan, The Shul, hosted their first epic event for the young Lubavitch contingency in Yerushalayim. Over a hundred people attended this mega night, celebrating their community’s growth in the spirit of “Tov Lev Mishte Tamid.” The event was coordinated and executed in true community style, from bottoms up, with countless young Lubavitchers chipping in to provide their expertise.

Orot VeKeilim, a melodic instrumental band fusing Eastern and Western-style music, entertained those gathered with their distinctive uplifting niggunim. With a spread of deluxe meat and wine, people socialized, danced, and committed to investing in the community’s future; it was indeed a memorable night.

“This event was all we could have hoped for,” says Mochkin, a local artist. “We’ve generated some vital buzz around our community, which we’ll build on moving forward.”

The event was done in conjunction with Rabbi Mendy and Leahle Levitin and Lubavitch Youth Jerusalem –an organization devoted to improving the material and spiritual well-being of Lubavitch youth visiting Yerushalayim– and generously sponsored by Paul and Tamar Azous.