Chabad to open first Jewish center southeast of Tucson
By Rabbi Yisroel Shemtov
In time for the upcoming High Holidays, Rabbi Sruly and Chavie Shemtov from Brooklyn, NY, are set to establish a new Chabad Jewish Center to serve the growing needs of the Jewish population in Vail, a southeast suburb of Tucson.
Over the past few years, Vail has seen a surge in population growth in the family-friendly area with spectacular views of the Rincon Mountains and Saguaro National Park, a top tourism spot within Arizona.
“Many young families are moving to Vail and the Jewish community is no exception,” says Rabbi Shemtov. He said that Chabad will be “an address for everything Jewish,” providing services to Jews of all denominations and backgrounds in the area.
“Our aim is to provide a place where Jews can explore and learn about their heritage and history in a non-judgmental and comfortable atmosphere,” the rabbi said. “We hope to work with the local Jewish community to strengthen and promote Jewish pride, education and celebration.”
The Shemtovs come to Vail with experience in Jewish education roles and outreach.
Rabbi Shemtov, ordained at the Rabbinical College of American in Morristown, New Jersey, has served as a student rabbi in communities across the world. Including in Bulgaria, Wyoming, South Dakota and California where he has led educational and holiday programs. He has taught children through Torah Tutors, an online Jewish studies platform.
Mrs. Shemtov (nee Kahanov) was raised in Jacksonville where she assisted her parents Rabbi Yoseph and Rivkie Kahanov in running Chabad Lubavitch of Northeast Florida. A graduate of the Division of Higher Learning of Associated Beth Rivkah School in Brooklyn, NY, she led educational programs and administrative work at Chabad of Oro Valley in Arizona and Chabad of the West Side in New York City.
Rabbi and Mrs. Shemtov say that they were inspired by the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. In a time when more and more people are searching for meaning and fulfillment in their lives, the Rebbe taught that the Torah is the blueprint for a meaningful life, and its relevance to every aspect of life continues in the modern era.
The new center is part of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement—known for its active and all-inclusive approach to Jewish outreach—and seeks to provide services to Jews of all denominations, regardless of affiliation, specifically those who live in areas where there is little or no Jewish institutional presence. To date, Chabad has 8 Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzin teams in Southern Arizona.
Rabbi Yossie Shemtov, Executive Director of Chabad Tucson, says that his nephew and niece were a natural choice for the task.
“Rabbi Sruly and Chavie have visited Southern Arizona multiple times and have become familiar with the culture and needs of the Jewish community,” he said. “Their motivation and commitment will guide them as they establish the first official Jewish presence in Vail. We wish them much success and look forward to working with them.”
They will be offering Shabbat dinners, personalized Torah study and holiday programming. “My mom, step-dad, son and myself are so excited about a Jewish presence here in the Vail area,” said Carrie Adler-Wheeler, who lives in Vail.
Among the first activities they will be able to participate are services for the High Holidays. Rosh Hashana begins sunset of Monday, September 6, 2021 and ends nightfall of Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Yom Kippur begins sunset of Wednesday, September 15 and ends nightfall of Thursday, September 16.
“I am beyond excited to have a Jewish center in Vail,” said Sarah Kaplan, a resident of Vail. “I am Jewish and have been unable to expose my children to the traditions, beliefs, etc. and they are itching to know all about Judaism. We thank the Shemtovs for their time and for bringing a Jewish center to Vail. It’s about time!”
For more information on the Chabad Jewish Center of Vail, contact Rabbi Yisroel at 347-372-3092 Email JewishVailArizona@gmail.com, or visit www.JewishVailAZ.com
Rabbi Yisroel Shemtov grew up in Brooklyn, NY. After finishing Yeshiva, Rabbi Shemtov went on to becoming ordained at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, New Jersey. Rabbi Shemtov has served as a student Rabbi in communities across the world. Including in Bulgaria, Wyoming, South Dakota and California where he has led educational and holiday programs. He has taught children through Torah Tutors, an online Jewish studies platform.
