Chabad of Manhasset will be led by a new family – the Paltiels – as they seek to expand the community and provide a space for them to strengthen their faith.
Chabad of Manhasset is being led by Rabbi Levi Paltiel and Shani Paltiel as well as their baby daughter Mussy.
Levi Paltiel was raised in neighboring Port Washington where his father led the local Chabad. He said the experience of watching and helping his father serve the community laid the foundation for his aspirations to be a Jewish leader.
“From my youth and through my experience, my passion always was to help people, to educate people, to be there for people in their Jewish search and their Jewish needs,” Levi Paltiel said.
Levi Paltiel’s yeshiva education took him across the globe, including neighboring Brooklyn all the way to Melbourne, Australia, and Budapest, Hungary. He received his rabbinical degree in Brooklyn and is in the midst of pursuing an even higher degree.
His wife, Shani Paltiel, was also involved in her family’s leadership of her local Chabad in Detroit. Levi Paltiel said the two of them share their passion for leading people through their Jewish faith.
Chabad of Manhasset was started in 2019 by Rabbi Mendel and Sarale Paltiel – Levi Paltiel’s brother and sister-in-law.
Rabbi Mendel and Sarale Paltiel decided to step out of this role and pass the baton to Levi Paltiel as the Chabad’s newest leader.
Levi Paltiel said this is aiding in a seamless transition to permit the community’s continued thriving. He said he is grateful for the foundation that Mendel and Sarale Paltiel laid.
“I believe there are many Jews in Manhasset looking for Chabad, what Chabad has to offer,” Levi Paltiel said.
Levi Paltiel said he aims to foster Chabad as a nonjudgmental environment where Jews can explore and feel comfortable with their Judaism, learn more about their religion and foster pride through their community.
“Our mission is to create a warm and inclusive environment where everyone can explore and deepen their connection to their heritage, regardless of their level of observance,” Levi Paltiel said. “We look forward to serving the Manhasset community and building a place where people can come together for meaningful experiences. Here you’re family.”
The Chabad offers a variety of services, including adult education, youth programs, women’s events and holiday services. Levi Paltiel said he is seeking to continue providing the signature approach of Chabad.
There is no physical location for the Chabad yet, Levi Paltiel said, but it will be operated out of his home and others. He said a physical location would be established in the future based on the Chabad’s growth.
Levi Paltiel said he has already received messages from community members excited about the Chabad and about beginning their engagement, and he hopes that excitement grows as they develop it further.
Chabad of Manhasset’s return will be marked by the beginning of the High Holidays when it will host its first events.
Chabad of Manhasset’s High Holidays events and service will begin on Oct. 3 for Rosh Hashana. A full schedule of their services is available on their website. Reservations can also be made through their website https://www.chabadmanhasset.org/
The Paltiels can also be reached via email at chabadofmanhasset@gmail.com.