Hi! I am RABBI MENDY HERSON, Executive Director of Chabad of Greater Somerset County. My family and I have lived in Basking Ridge for close to 30 years (I grew up in West Orange), and I've really enjoyed these years in the area. I find tremendous meaning in Chabad thought, which I regularly study. I also find inspiration in my memories of the years I spent in the 'orbit' of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory. He was a very empowering person. I wish I had more time to spend with the friends I've made here. I've learned so much from the people who walk through our doors, I'd like to slow down and soak it in. My wife Malkie and I have eight wonderful children. They too have much to teach me; G‑d give me the presence of mind to be a receptive student. I feel very blessed to spend my days doing something I love, with people who are truly awesome.
My name is MALKIE HERSON, Educational Director at the Chabad Center, and Co-Director along with my husband, Rabbi Mendy. He and I also are the proud parents of eight children - five boys and three girls. Perhaps it is that high dosage of 'yin' and 'yang' in our home that caused me to have such great appreciation for dichotomy! I enjoy the chaotic energy that life often brings, yet I also love the occasional moments of solitude to reflect and retreat within. Energy and Reflection. Doing and Being. Exhaling and Inhaling. Weekdays and Shabbat. Like the city and suburb: I love the high energy of urban living, the lights, the commotion, even the smells! Surrounded by those sensory stimuli makes me feel alive. Standing behind a city bus, inhaling the pollution, against the noisy visual and auditory backdrop...ahh! However, I also like suburban life. Lying down on the grass at midnight, looking at the uninterrupted expanse of the inky black sky, looking at the stars so far way twinkling against the seemingly infinite... The cosmic largesse helps me put my own life into perspective. I'm not afraid to ask questions and have a passion for exploration. That exploration also includes the search for the beautiful potential that lies within you, me and wonderful world around us. Therein lies the motivation for my desire to create a truly child-focused preschool and Hebrew School where adults and children alike can access their inner potential.
Hello, I'm Rabbi Mendel Shemtov.
Growing up in Bucks County, PA, I observed my parents' dedication to building the local Chabad center. Witnessing their life's work instilled in me an early understanding of purpose and meaningful living.
After marrying my wife Chaya, devoting our lives to expand Chabad's work locally was natural for us.
In 2014, we officially joined Chabad of Somerset County and have truly made our home here, and feel blessed to be part of this special community.
It is a genuine privilege to now raise our four children, watching them have formative experiences within this environment, much as I did growing up.
I love learning and engaging with the community, sharing the beauty of Torah and Chabad philosophy, and exploring the deep purpose and meaning these ideas bring to our lives.
Hi, I’m CHAYA SHEMTOV. I was blessed to grow up right here in Basking Ridge, where I had a front seat to watch my parents, Rabbi Mendy and Malkie, grow Chabad of Somerset County. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to continue doing this for the rest of my life.
Thank G‑d, my husband approved! In the summer of 2014, Rabbi Mendel and I joined the Chabad of Somerset County team, and now have the cutest crew of four kids to join in the fun.
I’m passionate about learning, growing and bringing the beauty of Torah into every corner of our lives; whether it’s with our Hebrew School students, events, classes or at our Shabbat table at home.
Rabbi Eli Landes joins the team from Chabad of Fremont, where, together with his wife, Shayna, he co-founded Shalom Preschool and served as Director of Adult Education. Rabbi Eli holds a background in marketing and writes Jewish nonfiction in his spare time. He is excited to join the Chabad of Somerset team together with his wife Shayna and their baby boy, Ari to support and expand Chabad's Teens programming.
Shayna Landes has been in the field of early childhood education for over a decade—as a preschool teacher, curriculum director, Director, and most recently, as the Co-Founder of Shalom Preschool in Northern California. She has trained in and believes deeply in the Reggio Emilia approach to education. She holds degrees in Psychology and Early Childhood Education, and is currently completing her Master’s in Special Education. Shayna is excited to join the Chabad team together with Rabbi Eli and their precious baby, Ari.