New Shluchim to the Heart of Silicon Valley

Rabbi Yisrolik and Chaya Garbachik, along with their three children, were recently appointed as shluchim to the Israeli community in Silicon Valley, the global center of high-tech and innovation.

By Anash.org reporter

Rabbi Yisrolik and Chaya Garbachik, along with their three children, were recently appointed as shluchim to the Israeli community in Silicon Valley, the global center of high-tech and innovation.

The new shluchim will serve the Israeli community in Silicon Valley. About a quarter of a million Jews are living in Silicon Valley, with more than 20% of them are native Israeli, most of them working in high-tech. They will be concentrating their efforts in providing chinuch for the next generation.

In the Silicon Valley, most Jewish parents are sending their children to public schools that provide high-standard academic education for free. The school population is quite varied (Asian, Indian, Turkish, South African…) and there is complete absence of religious education.

“Given these circumstances, an action plan is required in order to prevent complete assimilation. Our plan is to open a few educational programs,” the shluchim said.

The first program will be an afternoon program for children grades 1-3 (ages 6-9). The program will be on a high standard, taught in Hebrew and geared to the Israelis. The school will provide the children with a hot kosher lunch, while teaching them Jewish tradition and values.

The second program, Gan Yeladim, will be for 3-4 year old, also focusing on Jewish tradition, taught with love and enthusiasm.

“Eventfully, we hope to get the parents on board, with the goal of opening a Beit Chabad to serve the Israeli community, providing activities all year round for all ages, Shabbat and Yom Tov meals, Challah baking, Torah classes, chavruta learning, and even a minyan,” the shluchim said.

In addition, the Garbachiks plan on providing “Isralei style” kosher food for takeout. As of now it’s not available in the area and local shluchim say that there is a great need for it.

The shluchim are well prepared for the new undertaking. Yisrolik is an expert in the food industry and over the past years has been involved in establishing and running food stores and restaurants. Chaya is a very successful and enthusiastic kindergarten teacher, both skills that will be needed in their new post.