SDJJ l synagogue 
by jessica hanewinckel

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF RANCHO SANTA FE

A BOUTIQUE
CHABAD WITH
A BIG HEART

Chabad of Rancho Santa Fe is the first shul in the
community’s history

In the homes along the quiet, tree-lined drives of Rancho Santa Fe is a
substantial Jewish population, but before three years ago, no Jewish
congregation existed in the community to meet its members’ needs. If
Rancho Santa Fe Jewish families wanted to lead active religious lives, they
had to travel outside of the area for services and other shul activities. But
three years ago, for the first time in the community’s 100-year history, a
Jewish congregation, Chabad of Rancho Santa Fe, finally was established to
meet the needs of local Jewish families.

Rabbi Levi Raskin, who leads the congregation, says he considers his shul
a “boutique Chabad,” though it is large in its presence and importance.

“Rancho Santa Fe is a community with a need,” Rabbi Raskin says. “If
you live here in Rancho Santa Fe and you want to celebrate being Jewish
or need personal assistance, we’re here. There are many unaffiliated Jews
here, and we’re here to cater to their needs. The whole idea is fresh and
exciting.”

Chabad of RSF has humble beginnings, but already they’ve grown
exponentially. What started as a small Chanukah party for a few families
had a great turnout, and more families began gravitating to Rabbi Raskin

Rabbi Levi Raskin teaches kids
to use an olive press during a
Hands On Heritage workshop for
Jewish children on the ranch at
the Rancho Santa Fe Library.

and the shul’s early members. A few months ago, the shul

received its own communal Torah, which members wrote

in at the dedication.

Sheldon Greenhill, a member of Chabad of RSF for

almost three years, was instrumental in purchasing the

Torah. It’s no surprise considering the deep personal

connection he feels to the shul. Since he joined Chabad

of RSF, he’s felt his involvement in Judaism grow.

“My religious observance is much greater now,” he says.

“I’m more interested, and I have a personal relationship

with the rabbi. It’s nice that there’s more individual
contact.”

And in fact, Rabbi Raskin does reach out to all members regardless of age
or level of observance, and for the smallest of concerns.

Larry Feinberg, who joined the shul two years ago, says the rabbi offered
to bring him chicken soup at home when he complained of a cold and an
aching back, just one example of the personal attention the shul pays to
each of its members.

“The thing I like about Chabad of RSF is that they’re willing to accept
any kind of Jewish person, such as me for example. I don’t go to synagogue
much, and I don’t each kosher food necessarily, but that doesn’t matter to
[Rabbi Raskin],” Feinberg says. “He’s always willing to help in any situation,
which I find just plain wonderful and inspiring. It’s nice to have a person
like that as a religious and moral mentor.”

Because Chabad of RSF is welcoming of everyone, the shul has a
complete list of groups for all ages, from a Hebrew school, directed by
Rabbi Raskin’s wife Devorah, a kids’ club, a men’s club, a women’s group
and adult education. In October, the shul will even be lucky enough to hear
Zvi Bielski, son of Zus Bielski, one of three brothers who were the subject
of the film “Defiance.” The young Bielski will speak at a private event for
the shul about his father and uncles, who formed the Bielski partisan group
in Poland/Belarus during the Holocaust and coordinated one of the largest
rescues of Jews by Jews during World War II.

Surprisingly, despite the inclusive nature and well-rounded list of activities
at Chabad of RSF, this “boutique Chabad” is still so new and young that it
has yet to claim a place of its own for services. Currently, these take place
at Rancho Santa Fe’s Morgan Run Resort, but, Rabbi Raskin says, the
congregation’s goal is to build a Jewish center for themselves sometime in
the near future. Plans haven’t been set into motion yet, but, he says, it’s a top
priority.

For now, this young Chabad will continue to grow by reaching out to each
Jew in Rancho Santa Fe, one at a time, for a personal touch of Judaism.

“It brings our members great joy and pride,” Rabbi Raskin says, “to
be Jewish living here in Rancho Santa Fe, to be blessed with all of God’s
blessings and to celebrate being Jewish as well.”