Leslie Feldman
Chabad Lubavitch of Montgomery County in Fort Washington takes seriously the movement’s focus on being open and nonjudgmental.
Led by Rabbi Shaya Deitsch and his wife Devorah, the Chabad, which opened in 2012, offers resources to build the spiritual and cultural identity of each Jew, regardless of their background — even if a person considers themselves completely secular and has no affiliation with any synagogue or Jewish organization.
Congregants come from all different Jewish backgrounds, ranging from Modern Orthodox to Reform and the movement considers itself a melting pot of Jewish culture and traditions, Deitsch said.
In the aftermath of Oct. 7, the mission has taken on a heightened importance.
“It is a crucial time to take steps to ensure the continuation of Jewish knowledge, beliefs and practices — for our own well-being, our children, our friends, community and the world at large,” Rabbi Deitsch said. “In our community, Chabad is grasping a spark of Jewish faith born of tragedy and helping it to grow and flourish.”
Attendance is booming for the Soup and Scotch program, which occurs on the second Friday night of each month. This event recently drew 275 participants.
“We start with a lively Kabbalat Shabbat service, followed by a beautiful social event with food, drinks and, of course, soup,” Deitsch said. “There is a special children’s program and food that is age-appropriate as well.”
Congregant Allison Snyder and her family enjoy the event, which she said is “very spiritually charged and uplifting.” She believes it provides the community with a place to celebrate Judaism.
“It allows us to feel like we are doing something positive together. It’s important to say that it didn’t stop or take a pause because of the atrocities of Oct. 7, but rather it kept going and the attendance grew,” she said. “Rabbi Shaya and Devorah Deitsch led us beautifully through the days following Oct. 7 by standing strong with the community and speaking words of encouragement and strength. I believe that Soup and Scotch helps render deeper friendships and meaningful connections.”
Additionally, congregants started an initiative called Cookies for Israel following Oct. 7 and raised thousands of dollars for Israel Defense Forces soldiers.
“The beauty of the initiative is that children got involved and learned how to fundraise for a good cause,” congregant Yael Rhode said. “We sold boxes of cookies to families and had their children sell the boxes to their communities, including neighbors, friends, schools, soccer and football games and more.”
The Center in Fort Washington has become a focal point for Jewish activity, Deitsch said.
Today, there are three rabbis who, with their wives, are ready to help people at Chabad-Lubavitch of Montgomery County explore their Jewish roots, learn, educate their children, develop their faith and build community — always according to the needs of the individual. Devorah Deitsch established a Hebrew school, which serves 100 students, and a preschool with 85 young children attending.
“Rabbi Shaya and Devorah are the reason Chabad is such a special place,” Snyder said. “They welcome everyone to have a seat at the table. No one is not ‘Jewish enough’ at Chabad. I am blessed to have found such a loving family.”
The next Soup and Scotch at Chabad Lubavitch of Montgomery County will be on Jan. 12. Participation is free, but a reservation is required and can be made at jewishmc.com.
Leslie Feldman is a Philadelphia-area freelance writer.
