OUR TEAM:
Rabbi Shmuly and Mushka Begun, along with their daughter Leah, established Chabad of Tierrasanta in 2024. Rabbi Shmuly, raised in Cheviot Hills, California, and Mushka, originally from Mt. Olive, New Jersey, bring with them diverse experiences from involvement with Jewish communities around the world. Together, they are creating a place where everyone feels at home and can connect to their Jewish heritage in a real and meaningful way.
Chabad is founded on the principle that while Jews may embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for all Jews—no labels, no affiliations—to develop a sense of community, to enhance the experience of being Jewish, to learn and to enjoy Judaism. We focus on events and programming geared to all ages and stages to accomplish just that.
Reach out via our contact us page. We would love to hear your ideas for enhancing Jewish life in Tierrasanta. 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.