"I was born in Odessa, Ukraine—a city full of soul, sarcasm, and deep Jewish roots. Growing up there, being Jewish wasn't something you could ignore, even if you tried. It was part of daily life, for better or worse, and it shaped me in ways I'm still discovering. That sense of identity—mixed with humor, resilience, and a healthy dose of worry—never left me.
Here in the U.S., I'm proud of how far we as Jews have come. But sometimes I think our comfort can make us forget how important it is to stay connected—to our history, our traditions, and to each other. For me, Judaism is cultural, historical, and spiritual. And I believe we need a place to learn, to ask questions, and to experience what it really means to be Jewish.
That's why Chabad matters so much to me. It's not just a synagogue—it's a home. A place where I can be with my family, my friends, and my community. Where I can feel grounded, inspired, and part of something bigger. In a world that moves fast and often feels uncertain, Chabad helps me stay connected to who I am—and reminds me that I never have to wander alone."

"There are very few times in life we are given a chance to really make a difference on behalf of the sacrifices of our ancestors. I can think of no greater opportunity to fulfill them than by building a place for future generations to learn and grow."