Spotlight: Rabbi Mendy Gopin

We welcome back Rabbi Mendy Gopin, who grew up in West Hartford and attended the former Hebrew Academy, now returning as a leading light of the Jewish community. Through Chabad Young Professionals (CYP), his vision is to build a brick-and-mortar home base for young Jews — a place for Shabbat and holiday events, for learning and programs, for socializing, and even for dating events.

Tell us about what you like about the Greater Hartford Jewish community, and when did you first hear about Urban Dor?

What I love about the Greater Hartford Jewish community is how Jewish it is. In one small town, you’ve got so many shuls, synagogues, and temples. You drive through and see “I Stand With Israel” signs on the lawns, and wherever you go, everybody knows somebody. When you’re shopping at The Crown, it doesn’t matter if you’re Orthodox, Reform, religious, or not observant at all — it just feels like the real American version of the shtetl.

I first heard about Urban Dor right when we moved back. Different rabbis all told me, “You’ve got to connect with Simon — he’s the guy to know.” Then I started hearing about the Young Jewish chat, and every time we met someone new, they were talking about Urban Dor and the positive experiences they had there. It quickly became clear that Urban Dor is the place to be.

What do you do professionally?

Before we moved, I was working for an e-commerce company and my wife Mushky was a preschool teacher and program director. Now, we’re both full-time in the Jewish community. I serve as a Rabbi with Chabad of Greater Hartford, and Mushky is truly the creative force behind everything we do. She’s the planner, creative director, designer, and of course, the chef — nothing happens without her touch.

Day to day I might be teaching classes, leading prayer services, or even handling literal building management of the Chabad House. Mushky is dreaming up programs, designing the look and feel, and making sure every detail runs smoothly. Together we host Shabbat dinners, holiday events, and all kinds of programs. Our shared goal is to create Jewish experiences that are meaningful, fun, and accessible to everyone.

As a native of West Hartford and an alum of Hebrew Academy (now NEJA), what was it about the Jewish community that brought you back all these years later?

Hebrew Academy was an amazing school for me growing up. We had the best teachers — Mrs. Doran, Mrs. Mendelowitz, Dr. Buch, Mr. Wilkinson — and even the best cooks (shout out to Betty and Ron!). I still remember things like color war on Lag BaOmer — overall, it was just a super positive school experience.

I always dreamed of moving back because I felt West Hartford was such a special place to raise a family. Mushky and I have three kids now — two boys and a baby girl — so being in a place with backyards, driveways, and space to breathe feels like such a blessing. I was never a city guy. So when the opportunity came up to help out at Chabad, we both felt it was the right time to return and build our life here.

As you continue to engage the Young Jewish Professionals of Greater Hartford, what is your vision for a stronger young adult community?

Honestly, I think it’s tough to be a young professional anywhere these days. People move for job opportunities, sometimes without knowing anyone, and often they don’t even know how long they’ll be in town. West Hartford is very family-oriented — it’s mostly houses and established families — so for young Jews moving here, it can be hard to find their place.

That’s why I think it’s so important to have programs and organizations like Urban Dor, JFEL, and people like Max and Marissa, Eli Gutman, Simon, and all the volunteers who give their time to make this community happen. At CYP, our vision — mine and Mushky’s together — is to build a brick-and-mortar home base just for young Jews: a place for Shabbos and holidays, for learning and programs, for socializing, even for dating events.

And the best part is, we’re not just local. Being part of the CYP Network connects young Jews here in Greater Hartford with young Jews all over the world. CYP International hosts Shabbatons, dating events, retreats, and learning opportunities that bring young people together with their heritage and with each other. It makes the local community feel bigger — like you’re part of something global.

We hear you host awesome Shabbat dinners, how can people find out about them and all your amazing events?

The easiest way is to check out CYPWEHA.com or follow us on social media @chabadweha. We’re always posting about Shabbat dinners, holiday events, classes — all the good stuff. And honestly, once you come to one, you’ll be hooked. People usually show up for the food (Mushky’s cooking doesn’t hurt!) and end up staying for the vibes and the friendships.

Urban Dor is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit organization for Greater Hartford young adult Jews and founded by Simon Lichter - connect with Simon on LinkedIn.

All donations are tax-free. Please consider supporting us by making a donation!

Our next event is our BIGGEST YET - Latke Vodka 100 - click here for details.

Whether you’re from Greater Hartford, New Haven, Springfield, Boston, NYC or beyond, come experience the warmth and energy of the Greater Hartford Jewish community!