Team
Atlanta Chapter
Rabbi Dovid Goldshmidt
Director
Born and raised in Chicago, from an early age Rabbi Dovid developed a special passion for Judaism. Attending the local Chabad House on Shabbat and Gan Israel’s Teen Camp in the summers, Dovid began to discover and explore the meaning of his Judaism as a teen. Dovid joined the local CTeen chapter in high school and was ultimately named the first CTeen International Male Leader Of The Year in 2014. Upon graduating high school, Dovid decided to enroll in yeshiva in Israel, after which he continued his studies in Chabad yeshivas in Los Angeles and Crown Heights. After culminating his studies, Dovid was assigned a post to serve the teens of Johannesburg’s Jewish community, and then returned to Israel to volunteer at the Mayanot Post-High School program and receive rabbinic ordination. Dovid spent his summers volunteering as a youth camp counselor in Boston, South Africa, and Ukraine and went on to direct Gan Israel’s Teen Camp, which he had attended as a teen. Dovid loves directing CTeen of Atlanta and in his free time enjoys exercising, playing music, studying Torah, and spending quality time with his family.
Mrs. Talya Goldshmidt
Administrator
Talya was born and raised in Miami. After being deeply impacted and inspired at a Chabad-run sleep away camp for high school girls, she decided to enroll in Bnos Menachem High School in Crown Heights, where she could pursue her aspirations of leading a proud Jewish life filled with passion and meaning. Upon graduating high school, Talya spent a year studying in a girls' seminary in the holy city of Tzfat, Israel, where she continued her journey of self-growth. Returning from Israel, she served as the head counselor of a day camp in Connecticut, where she guided and led teen counselors. Talya then served as a middle school teacher and program coordinator in the Jewish Day School of Orange, Connecticut. She went on to help establish the CTeen chapter in Charlotte while pursuing her BA in Accounting. Talya enjoys balancing being a mother of two and coordinating CTeen of Atlanta events in addition to traveling and spending time with family.
Aventura Chapter
Rabbi Eliezer Wolf
Director
Rabbi Eliezer Wolf was born and raised in Australia. He pursued advanced Rabbinic education in England, Israel, and New York.
He serves as the senior Rabbi and Executive Director of Beit David Highland Lakes Shul.
Above all, Rabbi Wolf is an educator and mentor. Founder of Kavanah, he combines the ancient legal and spiritual wisdoms of Judaism together with modern science and philosophy, to impart a worldview which fosters a happy and purposeful life. He lives in Aventura with his wife and five children.
He serves as the senior Rabbi and Executive Director of Beit David Highland Lakes Shul.
Above all, Rabbi Wolf is an educator and mentor. Founder of Kavanah, he combines the ancient legal and spiritual wisdoms of Judaism together with modern science and philosophy, to impart a worldview which fosters a happy and purposeful life. He lives in Aventura with his wife and five children.
Ari Dalfin
Administrator
Bal Harbour Chapter
Rabbi Zalman Lipskar
Director
Born in Miami to his illustrious parents, Rabbi Sholom and Chani Lipskar,
Rabbi Zalman Lipskar was educated at the Rabbinical College in Manchester,
England and then at the Lubavitch Rabbinical College in Montreal, Canada
and later served as a Shliach apprentice in South Africa. He was ordained
in the Central Lubavitch Rabbinical College at 770 Eastern Parkway. He co-founded a venture philanthropy-based company benefiting national
charities and presently serves as Associate Rabbi at the Shul of Bal
Harbour. In his role as an inspirational leader and innovative strategist,
Rabbi Zalman has proven his ability to cultivate an environment for a
financially strong and spiritually connected Jewish community.
Rabbi Farkash
Administrator
Rabbi Farkash graduated with a master’s degree in Rabbinic studies. He
combines his knowledge and passion for Judaism, along with his leadership
qualities, to create the most creative, effective and up and coming youth
and teen programs. Rabbi Farkash and Deby live in Miami, Florida with their three beautiful
children.
Chesterfield Chapter
Rabbi Avi Rubenfeld
Director
Rabbi Avi Rubenfeld is the Co-Director of Chabad of Chesterfield, where he has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant Jewish community. An ordained rabbi from Sydney, Australia, Avi is also a respected scholar for AskMoses, offering profound insights and guidance. With a deep passion for teaching, he has become an expert educator, known for his engaging and impactful lessons. Beyond his professional achievements, Avi is a devoted father to six children, balancing his roles with dedication and love.
Mrs. Chanala Rubenfeld
Administrator
Chanala Rubenfeld lives in Chesterfield, MO, with her husband and six adorable boys. As a Certified Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, she enjoys inspiring and guiding busy women to lead a healthy lifestyle through her accidental business, Salads 2 Your Door, and integrative health coaching. However, her heart and life's mission are dedicated to co-directing the local Chabad Center in Chesterfield.
Ellicott City Chapter
Rabbi Yanky Baron
Director
Rabbi Baron has over eight years of experience serving as an educator, mentor, and Rabbi in communities across the globe. He is dedicated, forward-thinking, and adept at understanding cultural nuances and the unique needs of every individual and
community he works with. In his current role as Rabbi of the Chabad of Ellicott City, where he has been serving since 2019, Rabbi Baron has managed all of Chabad’s religious, social, humanitarian, and educational services, provided spiritual care through
visitation, prayer, and pastoral counseling, and managed day-to-day operations. Rabbi Baron has also cultivated relationships with other local leaders, expanding Chabad’s reach in greater Howard County. With Rabbi Baron’s efforts, Chabad of Ellicott City has seen year-over-year growth since 2019.
Fort Lauderdale Chapter
Devorah Kaplan
Director
Devorah Kaplan
Director
After spending 2 years studying and touring abroad, Devorah graduated from Seminary in Yerres, France with her European Pedagogue degree. She immediately began teaching full-time, until 2000, when she moved to Fort Lauderdale with her husband, Rabbi Schneur Kaplan, and their young son, embarking on the mission to share her love for learning and her passion for teaching. She opened a Hebrew school and runs youth programs that have grown exponentially. With the increased demand in the growing Jewish community, Devorah embarked on the mission to open a preschool using the Reggio Emilia philosophy combined with teaching Jewish values.
Devorah is also a licensed Somatic Trauma Healing Coach and a licensed Realtor.
With all of these talents and certifications under her belt, Devorah's passion is education– preceded only by her love for her family of seven children.
Devorah is also a licensed Somatic Trauma Healing Coach and a licensed Realtor.
With all of these talents and certifications under her belt, Devorah's passion is education– preceded only by her love for her family of seven children.
Jessica Rotterman
Administrator
Ms. Jessica Rotterman was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia in a close-knit Jewish community. She grew up in a loving family of traditional Jews who value the culture, traditions and sense of belonging of Judaism. Jessi moved to Florida a year and a half ago. Inspired by her identity as a Jewish woman, Jessi has ways been involved in different communities around the world. Creating several Jewish Women Circles, her focus is to encourage a more profound understanding of the role of the Jewish and the beauty that it entails. Jessi received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at FIU, and pursued a Master's degree in Emotional Intelligence with a focus on Stress and Anxiety, in Madrid, Spain. Jessi is an Emotional Coach working and developing programs for several populations: teenagers, senior citizens, and young professionals. She has cultivated a deep understanding of the synergy between emotions, behavior, and the physical body. Her mission is to create safe spaces where creativity, vulnerability, and inner growth are celebrated. Jessi looks forward to incorporating these skill sets and leading our teens to connect and embrace their Jewish values through our leadership program.
Jersey Shore Chapter
Rabbi Laibel Schapiro
Director
Rabbi Laibel Schapiro
Director
Rabbi Laibel Schapiro founded Chabad of the Shore in 2002. Together with his wife Chani, they have developed it into one of the most dynamic Jewish centers in the US. Through Rabbi Schapiro's infectious energy and leadership, Chabad of the Shore has become one of the largest Chabad Houses in the country and an epicenter of Jewish life in Monmouth County.
Rabbi Yaakov Greenberg
Administrator
Rabbi Yaakov Greenberg and his wife Rivki work with the youth and Monmouth University students for Chabad of the Shore. Since the Greenbergs' arrival in 2010, Chabad of the Shore has brought active Jewish life to Monmouth University and developed one of the largest Jewish teen programs in New Jersey. Rabbi Yaakov places great emphasis on youth and developing their Jewish pride and leadership qualities, ensuring Jewish continuity with success.
Montreal Chapter
Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski
Director
Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski
Director
Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski founded Chabad of the Town 18 years ago, and has developed it to be one of the most dynamic Jewish centers in Montreal. Through his infectious energy and leadership, Chabad of the Town has become an educational and social hub. Rabbi Moshe places great emphasis on youth and developing their Jewish pride and leadership qualities, ensuring Jewish continuity with success.
Silvana Smejoff
Administrator
Silvana Smejoff
Administrator
Ms. Silvana Smejoff is known for connecting quickly with people, and her ability to work in multicultural and multi-functional environments. Silvana is friendly, welcoming, and passionate about every project she engages in. A Strategic Operations and Event Planning expert, her specialty is charity events and she has over 16 years of fundraising experience in the Jewish Community. She has managed fundraising projects of over $1 million and surpassed initial fundraising targets. She also has experience working in schools with children, youth, and families. She was born in Uruguay, and spent most of her life in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Currently she resides in Montreal, Quebec.
Palm Beach Chapter
Rabbi Moshe Scheiner
Founder, Chairman, & Spiritual Director
The founding Rabbi of Palm Beach Synagogue and the Maimonides Leadership Institute, Rabbi Scheiner holds a Masters degree in Talmudic studies and Jewish philosophy from the Rabbinical College of America. He also holds an honorary Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Rabbinical College of America. He received his rabbinic ordination at the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva.
Sarah Dworcan
President & CEO
Born and raised in South Africa, Sarah Dworcan has been involved in education and leadership training for over a decade. She co-founded Jnetic, an organization focused on education and awareness of genetic diseases. With her love for knowledge, growth, achievement, and excellence, she has grown Solomon into what it is today. Sarah lives in West Palm Beach with her husband and two sons.
Parkland Chapter
Rabbi Shuey Biston
Director
Rabbi Shuey Biston grew up in Miami Beach, Florida and attended Yeshiva in Brunoy, France, Kiryat Gat, Israel and the Rabbinical College of America in New Jersey . Rabbi Biston received his rabbinical ordination from the Chief Chabad Rabbi of Israel and served as an apprentice Rabbi, educating and inspiring communities in Sydney, Australia, and Malibu, California. Rabbi Biston is the rabbi of the Chabad of Parkland Center for Jewish Life, where his refreshing approach to Judaism has helped cultivate a beautiful and spirited Jewish community.
Mendy Freund
Administrator
Mendy was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He completed his advanced yeshiva studies in Baltimore, MD, and received his rabbinical ordination in Morristown, NJ. Mendy has extensive experience in youth education, including two summers spent as a youth director in Tzfat, Israel. He enjoys forging relationships with people and infusing their lives with Jewish pride. Mendy is looking forward to working with our youth and helping them develop strong Jewish identities and leadership qualities.
Phoenix Chapter
Rabbi Tzvi Rimler
Director
Rabbi Tzvi Rimler, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, embarked on a journey of spiritual exploration that took him across continents. After completing his rabbinical studies in Morristown, New Jersey, he delved into the vibrant tapestry of Jewish life in various communities. His passion for education led him to direct Jewish studies programs in camps and schools, first in New York and later in Arizona. Through his dedication, Rabbi Rimler has become a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, enriching the lives of countless individuals with the wisdom of Jewish tradition.
Mrs. Masha Rimler
Administrator
Masha Rimler, hailing from the scenic landscapes of Arizona, has woven her passion for education into the fabric of her career. Armed with a master's degree in early education, she embarked on a journey to shape young minds. Her leadership flourished as she directed a preschool in her hometown, fostering an environment of growth and discovery. Currently serving as Administrator at CTeen, Masha brings a spirit of enthusiasm and a commitment to making a positive impact on those around her.
Sunny Isles Chapter
Mrs. Chanie Kaller
Director
In 2003, Chanie and her husband began building the foundations of a Jewish Russian community in South Florida. In 2005, she founded the Chabad RC Hebrew School and the youth and teen clubs for the community. Using her years of experience in the early childhood field, in 2007, Chanie founded The Gan, currently The Gan Frida, a progressive center where the children take the lead in the learning process. Chanie is passionate about creating and building strong Jewish connections with the youth of our community. She enjoys coaching, teaching, and sharing her talents with other Jewish schools and communities. She is the mother of five beautiful children.
Mrs. Carolena Herz
Administrator
Carolena was born and raised in Miami. She lives in Surfside with her husband and four children and works at the Lubavitch Educational Center as the Physical Education Coach. Carolena enjoys playing a role in teen education and looks forward to participating in, and assisting students with, the Solomon Leadership Program.
Vancouver Chapter
Riki Oirechman
Director
Rivka Oirechman (Riki) is a seasoned educational leader in Vancouver, BC, with over twenty years of experience in Hebrew and Judaic studies. During her impressive fifteen-year tenure at Richmond Jewish Day School, Rivka has played a pivotal role in shaping educational programs that foster a deep love and understanding of Jewish heritage among students. Her leadership extends to her roles as Principal of the Hebrew School and Tzivos Hashem Sunday School, where she has introduced innovative programs that enrich students’ Jewish knowledge, values, and identity. Known for her creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and talent for developing inclusive educational frameworks, Rivka effectively connects with a wide range of age groups. Her dedication has earned her a respected place within the Jewish education community, impacting countless students and guiding them in both their academic and spiritual growth. Rivka’s work ensures that Jewish values and education continue to thrive and inspire future generations in Vancouver.
Rivki Yeshayahu
Administrator
Rivky is an experienced leader in Jewish education and community involvement. With a deep understanding of Jewish values and traditions, Rivki is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment where families can connect, belong, and strengthen their ties to the community. Guided by compassion, kindness, and respect for all, she fosters an inclusive space for individuals to thrive and succeed. Rivky's genuine desire to build a vibrant and inclusive community allows for deeper connections and a richer understanding of Jewish heritage. With her knowledge, passion, and commitment, Rivky creates a space where families can engage, connect, and grow together.
West Palm Chapter
Reverend Gerald D. Kisner
Director
Reverend Gerald Kisner, a Cleveland, Ohio native, holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Cleveland State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Case Western Reserve University, a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, and a Master of Divinity from Howard University, where he was Senior Class President. Ordained at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, he has served as a Deacon, Associate Pastor, City of East Cleveland’s law director, adjunct professor, and member of the Ohio State Board of Education. With a rich background in law, education, and public service, Reverend Kisner has counseled numerous churches and pastors on legal and administrative matters. Reverend Kisner has led impactful community projects, including founding the English Avenue Community Development Corporation in Atlanta and working with TAB Development to build housing in West Palm Beach. He also serves on multiple community boards. Reverend Kisner is married to Mami and has three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Tony Young
Administrator
A Florida native and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduate, Tony dedicated thirty-seven years to the Palm Beach County School District as an elementary and adult educational teacher and five years as a teacher and consultant for Learn It Academic Services, Ephesus Adventist Academy, RJ Hendley Christian Community School, University Preparatory Academy, and Renaissance Charter School. As a board member of the North Shore Neighborhood Association, he strongly values contributing to the community in which he resides. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at his beloved house of worship. With a deep commitment to the next generation, Tony believes in the importance of fostering functional, forward-thinking leadership within communities. Tony is married to Maxine and has two sons, a granddaughter, and a grandson. Tony values family and sees mentorship and education as pathways to creating a brighter future for all.