Rabbi Mendy and Mushka Stiefel (neè Kaplan) are moving out on shlichus to establish Chabad on Campus at the University of Victoria.

The University of Victoria, nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is one of Canada’s most beautiful and progressive campuses. Surrounded by ocean views, tall cedars, and endless rain-soaked trails, UVic attracts curious, creative, and open-minded students from across the world. It’s a place that encourages exploration – of ideas, of self, and of purpose.

Yet for many Jewish students, that exploration can come with a sense of disconnection. UVic’s campus culture leans strongly secular, and while it celebrates diversity, Jewish life remains quiet and dispersed. Students often find themselves as one of only a few Jews in their classes, without a strong sense of community or spiritual grounding. Many Jews feel lonely or even scared to tell people they’re Jewish.

That’s why Rabbi Mendy and Mushka Stiefel chose to open a Chabad on Campus at UVic, to truly be there for the Jewish students and build a community and a home away from home based on authentic Jewish values. 

Rabbi Mendy grew up on Shlichus in Almere, Holland. He journeyed in life to find his place, and travelled a lot to discover himself. However, throughout his entire teenage hood he consistently had a passion – Mivtzoyim. He would put Tefillin on every Jew that he met who was willing. No matter when or where he was, he reached out to people who needed to be strengthened in their Yiddishkeit and was a guide and a friend. 

Mushka Stiefel (nee Kaplan) also grew up on Shlichus, in Victoria, BC. She too searched for her place in Yiddishkeit. She attended Machon Alte, where she discovered a deep love for chassidus and a personal connection to Hashem. She loves to use her creative gifts to connect with others and has a special passion for the gift of Tefillah.

Together, they will open a home away from home for the Jewish students on campus. With their shared love for beautiful spaces, cooking, and Jewish pride, they hope to create a space where Yiddishkeit, connection, and beauty thrive and shine. Where students can find themselves, who they are in essence, and find Jewish partners and community.

They are running a campaign right now for 72 hours – triple match! Please help them start off their new shlichus with success.

chabadvi.org/lightupuvic