New Chabad Center opens in The Woodlands
Chabad Lubavitch of Texas, directed by Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, has announced the opening of a new Chabad center in The Woodlands; servicing Spring, Conroe, Tomball and the surrounding areas. The new center will be directed by Rabbi Mendel and Leah Blecher.
With their welcoming and non-judgmental approach, the Blecher’s are eager to share the joy and inspiration of Judaism with others, enhancing Jewish life in The Woodlands. “Since 1972, Chabad Lubavitch of Texas has been servicing the Jewish needs of individuals of every walk of life, wherever they may be, while facilitating the enhancement of every local Jewish organization, with love, truth and a caring heart”, says Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff. “In an effort to continue to reach every Jew, this center will be the ninth location in the Houston metropolitan area and the twenty first in Texas”.
“We have been received quite warmly by the various individuals that we’ve met as well as the existing communal organizations,” reports Rabbi Blecher. “I believe that with a spirit of unity, there is much that can be accomplished for the betterment of Jewish life in The Woodlands, Spring and the surrounding areas.”
Rabbi Blecher grew up in Melbourne, Australia and graduated with honors from Yeshivah College in both secular and Hebrew studies. He spent the next few years studying in rabbinical colleges in Israel and the USA. He received his rabbinical ordination in Melbourne, Australia from the renowned halachic author Rabbi Feitel Levin, and subsequently was involved in the research and development of a cutting-edge Judaic curriculum for Jewish day-schools.
Rabbi Mendel has had extensive experience in outreach. From Purim in Tasmania, to voluntarily spending summers visiting Jews in Oregon and Germany, or leading services and classes across the USA. Rabbi Mendel’s pleasant demeanor and listening ear ensures an amiable encounter.
Leah Blecher grew up in Winnipeg, Canada as a child of emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. After graduating the Beth Chomesh School for girls in Toronto, Leah received her diploma in education from Machon Shoshana seminary in Jerusalem. She then spent a year directing extra-curricular programs in the Chabad high school of Los Angeles. Enduring relationships were formed with the students, through her warm, outgoing approach.
Leah then turned to what would become her true passion, teaching. She has taught a wide range of ages in day-schools and Hebrew-schools. Her devotion to the students, coupled with a profound insight into a child’s mind, has earned the admiration of parents and students. Leah has also directed summer camps in the USA and Canada, including a successful overnight bat mitzvah camp.
The Blecher’s are hosting a Purim celebration, offering a great opportunity to greet and meet them, on Sunday, March 20th at 6 Rockridge Drive in The Woodlands, 77381 at 4 PM. For further information visit www.jewishwoodlands.com or call 832-510-6079.
Chabad of The Woodlands is an affiliate of Chabad Lubavitch of Texas, serving the greater Houston Community with nine branches and twelve Rabbis, offering an array of Jewish outreach, education and social services. For more information visit www.ChabadTexas.org and www.ChabadHouston.com.