About Us
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Leadership
Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi
Founder and President
Jackie and Omri Dahan Harvard Chabad Jewish Chaplain
Elkie Zarchi
Founder and Director
Head of School, Cambridge Preschool of the Arts
Rabbi Mendy Raskin
Director of Special Projects
Nana Zarchi-Raskin
Director of Programs and Branding
Rabbi Mendel Zarchi
Graduate Student Community Rabbi
Rivkah Zarchi
Graduate Student Community Leader
Rabbi Berel Feldman
College Campus Rabbi
Rabbi Menachem Altein
Educator and Chabad at MIT
Mussy Altein
Chabad at MIT and POTA Admissions
Rabbi Berel Grunblatt
International Jewish Student Center of Boston
Esther Leah Grunblatt
IJSC & Director of Education at POTA
Sarah Gross-Lempel
Jewish Cambridge Parenting Center
Nicole Speros
Lauren Donovan
Caitlin Mason
Nancy Cuneo
Executive Office
Fabio Gomez
Executive Chef
Rita Vilaca
Facility Maintenance
Board of Advisors
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Jonathan Baron
Jonathan is the President of a large NY family investment office. Previously, he was a co-founder and partner of a multi-strategy event driven hedge fund. His earlier work experience includes Goldman Sachs and Davidson Kempner (HF). Jonathan has an AB from Harvard College, a JD from Harvard Law School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
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James David
James David is a partner at The Baupost Group, a multi-strategy asset manager based in Boston. Before joining Baupost, Mr. David worked in Goldman Sachs’ Special Situations Group and attended the Harvard Business School. Mr. David graduated from Harvard College with a BA in Economics.
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Daniel Farb
Mr. Farb is President of Mill Pond Capital Corporation. He was formerly a partner at Highfields Capital Management. Prior to Highfields, Mr. Farb worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Principal Investment Groups. Mr. Farb graduated from the Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker and Loeb Scholar, and from McGill University with great distinction with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.
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David Frankel
David is managing partner and co-founder of Founder Collective, a seed-stage venture capital fund with offices in Boston and New York. Founder Collective’s seed investments include Uber, TheTradeDesk, and Airtable. David was the lead investor for Founder Collective in SeatGeek, Coupang, and PillPack, among others. In 2000, David was voted the South African Technology Achiever of the Century by the Financial Mail. The World Economic Forum later selected him for the Global Leader of Tomorrow program in Davos, Switzerland. David holds an honors degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.
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Deborah Hochberg
Debbie is an accomplished philanthropist and nonprofit professional who currently serves as President of the Board of Momentum and Senior Advisor at The Paul E. Singer Foundation. Prior to her nonprofit roles, Debbie served as Director of Investor Relations for Multex, Inc., where she ran investor relations and corporate strategy. She began her career at Merrill Lynch & Co. Debbie holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an AB in biology from Harvard College.
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David Mansell
BOARD CHAIR
David is the managing partner and co-founder of Kent Road Capital, an industrials-focused private equity firm. Prior to founding Kent Road Capital, David spent 18 years at Onex Corporation, a Toronto-based private equity firm. During 2020 and early 2021, David served as an advisor to Finance Canada, and then as CEO of Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corp., a Federal Crown Corporation charged with providing liquidity to large Canadian companies impacted by COVID-19. David qualified as a chartered accountant, has an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a B.Comm. from University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. -
Aviva Preminger
Dr. B. Aviva Preminger is a Board Certified plastic surgeon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan specializing in plastic surgery of both the face and body. She holds a BA from Harvard University, an MD from Cornell Medical College, and an MPH from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She completed her postgraduate surgical training at Cornell and Columbia as well as a clinical research fellowship in breast reconstruction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is a past President of the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Preminger is a key opinion leader for some of the leading plastic surgery technology companies. She has lectured at national meetings.
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Rebecca Ritter
Rebecca is the Head of Academics and a founder of the Shefa School, a Jewish day school for students with language-based learning disabilities in Manhattan. She has been working in the field of education for the past 15 years and began her career as a classroom teacher at a New York City public school. Rebecca has since served in leadership roles in both public and private schools, focusing her work on new teacher mentoring, adult development, and creating cultures of growth in schools. Rebecca holds a B.A. from Harvard College and a Masters Degree in School Leadership from Bank Street College, as well as NYS certification as a School Building Leader (SBL).
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Student Leadership
Student Leadership 2024 - 25
Jonah Abrams ’25
Ariel Beck ’25
Daniel Berk ’25
Alex Bernat ’25, Co-President
Charlie Bernat ’27
Ariel Blavatnik ’27
Daniella Bregman ’25
Asher Chamoy ’25
Sophie DePaul ’27
Emil Droga ’26
Joe Fahn ’25, Co-President
Daphne Feigin ’27
Carly Gelles ’27
Gailen Greenstein ’26
Thomas Harris ’25
Rebecca Hirschfeld ’27
Daniel Hochberg ’27
Josh Kaplan ’26
Sadie Kargman ’26
Mimi Koenig ’25
Isaac Mansell ’26
Max Menin ’26
Jordan Mittler ’27
Michael Oved ’25, Vice President
Sophia Rascoff ’27
Rebecca Solomon ’25
Theo Taubman ’26
Sabre Zimmer ’25
Vision & Values
Vision
To be a home for every Jew at Harvard. Where students and faculty of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage in a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment.
Philosophy
It’s our core belief that every individual Jew has an indispensable contribution to make to the totality of the Jewish people. Predicated on the Mitzvah of “Ahavat Yisrael – love of a fellow Jew,” Chabad seeks to engage students at their own pace and comfort level through innovative educational programs in all areas of Jewish life.
Programs
Among our programs, we host weekly Shabbat dinners that provide Jewish students an elegant setting in which to meet new friends from every niche of the Harvard campus, experience the beauty of Jewish life and community, and explore and deepen their Jewish identity. Our creative holiday programs on the Harvard campus raise Jewish consciousness and pride throughout the university. Our lectures and classes on Jewish law, philosophy, and ethics, teach the relevance, beauty and depth of our heritage to our leadership community. We continue to meet with students individually around the clock.
Impact
Our efforts to engage the unaffiliated, and increase the opportunities for the affiliated, have been met with incredible success. For many, Chabad at Harvard has been their first positive Jewish experience. Leaders on campus have expressed wonder at Chabad’s ability to seamlessly bring together a diverse community of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and Jews of all backgrounds on an ongoing basis. Thousands of students have had their connection to Judaism deepened because of the work of Harvard Chabad.
Funding
Being that we interact primarily with a student community, we provide all our programs and services free of charge. No one is ever turned away. The support for our programs comes solely from alumni, parents and friends.
In Tribute
Chabad at Harvard is an everlasting tribute to The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory, whose vision, leadership, and love is a beacon of light for all humanity.
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FAQs
Q: What is Chabad?
A: Chabad is a worldwide movement that spreads Jewish awareness to all Jews, men and women, young and old. Its roots are in White Russia in a small town by the name of Lubavitch. The word Chabad is an acronym for Chachmah, Binah, Daas, which means wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The idea is to turn intellect to action. Simply put, Chabad’s message is “don’t just think it, do it”. This is exactly what Chabad does. Chabad Houses can be found on over 200 campuses and in every part of the world, such as, Tasmania, Russia , Hawaii, and Bangkok. In each one of those places Chabad is doing everything it can to help Jews lead a more meaningful Jewish life. Today, there are over 3,300 Chabad centers in all 50 states and over 100 countries.
Q: What does Chabad do on campus?
A: Chabad helps provide Jewish students with their social, cultural and spiritual needs. Chabad provides Shabbat and holiday meals free of charge to students that are legendary. Rabbi Hirschy and Elkie Zarchi have extensive knowledge in many areas of Judaism and are ready to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Most importantly, Chabad is your home away from home.
Q: Do only religious people come to Chabad?
A: Chabad is a place for all Jews regardless of their affiliations or ties. Many of the students who come to Chabad are not religious, some with little or no Jewish education. One of the exciting things about Chabad is one can meet people from all walks of life.
Q: What happens if I don’t know what to do?
A: Don’t worry, everyone is learning and one has to start sometime, and what better place than at Chabad? There is always someone willing to help you.
Q: What purpose do the labels ‘Orthodox’, ‘Conservative’ and ‘Reform’ serve?
A: The truth is that a Jew is truly a Jew, and that G-d truly wants a Jew to do Mitzvot. Beyond that, labels are totally meaningless at best, and at worst, divisive. Read the article “Was Moses Orthodox?” for more.
Q: All this is great, but how do I join?
A: We’re open to every Jewish student! Click here to subscribe to our mailing list and find out about all the resources we have available for you.
Q: But wait! How much does it cost?
A: Nothing! Just bring yourself and lots of friends!
Q: So how much time do I have to dedicate to Chabad activities?
A: College students have very busy lives and this is completely understood. Some students come to dinner and stay for a few minutes while others stay for a few hours. Everyone is welcome.
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Our Centers
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s unconditional love for every Jew, and his global vision to create a home for all Jews everywhere, Rabbi Hirschy and Elkie Zarchi moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts in September of 1997. On their first Shabbat in town, they hosted one Harvard student. Today, 5,000+ people find community each year at one of their centers.
Please browse our website for more info on our centers and programs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to personally welcoming you to Harvard Chabad, where every Jew is family.
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Our Centers
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s unconditional love for every Jew, and his global vision to create a home for all Jews everywhere, Rabbi Hirschy and Elkie Zarchi moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts in September of 1997. On their first Shabbat in town, they hosted one Harvard student. Today, 5,000+ people find community each year at one of their centers.
Please browse our website for more info on our centers and programs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to personally welcoming you to Jewish Cambridge, where every Jew is family.
Centers
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Harvard Chabad Center for Jewish Life
38 BANKS ST
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Longwood Jewish Student & Hospitality Center
1615 TREMONT ST, BOSTON
Home for Jewish patients and families from around the world who come to Boston seeking its world-class medical care.
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Chabad at MIT
38 PEARL ST
Led by Rabbi Menachem and Mussy Altein, Chabad at MIT serves the Jewish undergraduate and graduate students studying at MIT.
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International Student Center of Boston
8 MUSEUM WAY
Led by Rabbi Berel and Esther Leah Grunblatt, the IJSC of Boston serves hundreds of international university students studying in the greater Boston area.
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Cambridge Preschool of the Arts (POTA)
A Reggio-inspired Jewish Preschool committed to building a strong educational foundation for our children through play, social collaboration, and exploration.
Locations: West Cambridge, Harvard Square, Cambridgeport, Inman Square, East Cambridge, and Somerville.
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Jewish Cambridge
245 HAMPSHIRE ST
A community of young professionals and families in Cambridge, Somerville, and beyond. Jewish life for all ages through community, education, and joyful experiences.
Programs include: Networking Events, Parenting Classes, Hebrew School, Prenatal/Postpartum Support Groups, and more!
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Chabad of Cambridge Crossing
Serving Charlestown and East Cambridge
Additional Centers Established in Greater Boston
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Chabad at Brandeis University
Brandeis Chabad is a place where Jewish students of all backgrounds and levels of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage.
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Chabad at Tufts University
Chabad has become a central part of student life at Tufts, bringing together Jews from all backgrounds and styles of observance to enjoy and learn about Judaism.
Centers
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Harvard Chabad
38 BANKS STREET
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Longwood Jewish Student & Hospitality Center
1615 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
Home for Jewish patients and families from around the world who come to Boston seeking its world-class medical care.
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Chabad at MIT
38 PEARL STREET
Led by Rabbi Menachem and Mussy Altein, Chabad at MIT serves the Jewish undergraduate and graduate students studying at MIT.
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International Jewish Student Center of Boston
8 MUSEUM WAY
Led by Rabbi Berel and Esther Leah Grunblatt, the IJSC of Boston serves hundreds of international university students studying in the greater Boston area.
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Jewish Cambridge
245 HAMPSHIRE STREET, CAMBRIDGE
A thriving community of young families in Cambridge, Somerville, and beyond. Jewish life for all ages through community, education, and joyful experiences.
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Cambridge Preschool of the Arts - POTA
A Reggio-inspired Jewish Preschool
Locations: West Cambridge, Harvard Square, Cambridgeport, Inman Square, East Cambridge, and Somerville.
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Chabad of Cambridge Crossing
Serving Charlestown and East Cambridge
Additional Centers Established in Greater Boston
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Chabad at Brandeis University
Brandeis Chabad is a place where Jewish students of all backgrounds and levels of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage.
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Chabad at Tufts University
Chabad has become a central part of student life at Tufts, bringing together Jews from all backgrounds and styles of observance to enjoy and learn about Judaism.
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About Chabad Lubavitch
The Philosophy
Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization. It is considered to be the most dynamic force in Jewish life today.
The word “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of chochmah—wisdom, binah—comprehension and da’at—knowledge. The movement’s system of Jewish religious philosophy, the deepest dimension of G‑d’s Torah, teaches understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of creation, and the importance and unique mission of each creature. This philosophy guides a person to refine and govern his or her every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension, and knowledge.
The word “Lubavitch” is the name of the town in White Russia where the movement was based for more than a century. Appropriately, the word Lubavitch in Russian means the “city of brotherly love.” The name Lubavitch conveys the essence of the responsibility and love engendered by the Chabad philosophy toward every single Jew.
The Movement
Following its inception 250 years ago, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement—a branch of Hasidism—swept through Russia and spread in surrounding countries as well. It provided scholars with answers that eluded them, and simple farmers with a love that had been denied them. Eventually the philosophy of Chabad-Lubavitch and its adherents reached almost every corner of the world and affected almost every facet of Jewish life.
The Leadership
The movement is guided by the teachings of its seven leaders (“Rebbes”), beginning with Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi of righteous memory (1745–1812). These leaders expounded upon the most refined and delicate aspects of Jewish mysticism, creating a corpus of study thousands of books strong. They personified the age-old Biblical qualities of piety and leadership. And they concerned themselves not only with Chabad-Lubavitch, but with the totality of Jewish life, spiritual and physical. No person or detail was too small or insignificant for their love and dedication.
In our generation, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory (1902–1994), known simply as “The Rebbe,” guided post-holocaust Jewry to safety from the ravages of that devastation.
The Organization
The origins of today’s Chabad-Lubavitch organization can be traced to the early 1940s, when the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory (1880–1950), appointed his son-in-law and later successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, to head the newly founded educational and social service arms of the movement.
Motivated by his profound love for every Jew and spurred by his boundless optimism and self-sacrifice, the Rebbe set into motion a dazzling array of programs, services and institutions to serve every Jew.
Today over 5,000 full-time emissary families (2,000 in the United States) apply 250-year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 3,500 institutions (and a workforce that numbers in the tens of thousands) dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
Photo credit: www.thelivingarchive.org