OUR TEAM:
Rabbi Shmuly and Mushka Begun established Chabad of Tierrasanta in 2024, alongside their daughter, Leah. In February 2025, their family grew with the birth of their son, Mendel.
Rabbi Shmuly was raised in Cheviot Hills, California, and Mushka is originally from Mt. Olive, New Jersey. Together, they bring a wealth of experience from their work with Jewish communities across the globe to create a local space where everyone feels at home and can connect to their heritage in a real, meaningful way.
Our Community
We proudly serve the Tierrasanta, Kearny Mesa, and Serra Mesa areas. This includes providing vital support for Jewish patients and families at the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center when it matters most.
Chabad is built on the idea that while we all have different levels of observance, there should always be a place for every Jew—no labels, no affiliations. We are here to foster a sense of community, enhance the Jewish experience, and provide opportunities to learn and enjoy Judaism at every age and stage of life.
We would love to hear your ideas for enhancing Jewish life in our neighborhoods. Please reach out via our Contact Us page.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
ABOUT CHABAD:
A philosophy, a movement, and an organization, Chabad-Lubavitch is widely considered to be the most dynamic force in Jewish life today, with over 3,500 centers in 100 countries, dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide. Each Chabad branch is run by a local couple, catering to the Jewish needs of the community.
Guided by the leadership, teachings, and inspirations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chabad-Lubavitch has set the dictum of “Love your fellow as yourself” as the defining factor in its approach of unconditional acceptance of fellow Jewish people. Chabad recognizes no differences between Jews; its goal is to serve the spiritual and physical needs of each Jew regardless of affiliation, wherever he or she may be, with understanding and with love.
FAQ:
Q: DO YOU HAVE TO BE ORTHODOX TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS OFFERED BY CHABAD?
A: Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. In fact, the majority of people who participate in programs at Chabad are not Orthodox. The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic spirit and joy, but in no way is the commitment to an Orthodox lifestyle a prerequisite to one's acceptance at Chabad functions.
Q: IS THE GOAL OF CHABAD TO MAKE ME ORTHODOX?
A: Chabad is not out to make one Orthodox. Chabad is an educational organization dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere. All of Chabad’s classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and rituals. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace. Each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in one's personal growth.
Q: DOES CHABAD CONSIDER REFORM, CONSERVATIVE, OR NON-PRACTICING JEWS AS "REAL" JEWS?
A: A Jew is a Jew is a Jew – period. Chabad avoids labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create barriers between us. Jewish Law has traditionally considered anyone born of a Jewish mother or converted in accordance with Halacha to be a Jew, regardless of his or her degree of observance. We have one Torah, we are one People, and we have one G‑d. Chabad endeavors to bring unity among the Jewish community through our common bond of Jewish faith and observance.
Q: IS CHABAD OF TIERRASANTA FINANCED BY ITS HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK?
A: No. It is Chabad’s policy that each center is supported by the community it serves. All funding for Chabad of Tierrasanta comes from local supporters. No funds are received from Lubavitch World Headquarters nor are any locally raised funds sent to Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York. All funds donated remain right here in our community, enabling Chabad of Tierrasanta to continue building and enhancing Jewish life.