My Unexpected Year on Shlichus

Rabbi Menachem Landa:

I was born in Vancouver and grew up in Montreal. I studied in Montreal through high school. I then traveled to Los Angeles to learn under Rabbi Ezra Schochet, one of the greatest Jewish scholars in our times. From there I studied in Brooklyn. I taught high school and college students in Miami, and Los Angeles, and finally completed my Rabbinical degree there.

From a very young age, I had only one dream (or 2 if you include becoming a world-famous hockey player), to reach out to Jews in whatever location I might find myself in, help them in any way that I could, and show them the beauty of their heritage. I’ve been accomplishing this goal since the age of 14. I’ve been a camp counselor and Head Counselor, as well as Director. I led communal Passover Seders in Latvia. I teach Torah classes and one-on-one Torah learning in the communities I have lived in. (My dream of becoming a world-famous hockey player is currently on hold 🙂

Mrs. Adina Landa (nee Green):

I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I was educated in Bais Chana High School of Los Angeles and furthered my studies at BC Teachers Seminary in Tzfat, Israel. I then spent a year working for my high school as an extra-curricular program coordinator. I share the same dream as my husband, coupled with a strong passion for teaching. As a mom of two, I enjoy every minute with my kids.

Ever since we were married, we began setting the groundwork to build a most vibrant Jewish community in Novato. We hope to visit many homes and strengthen Jewish identity and awareness throughout the city. Together with our daughter Hadassa (born Feb. 2010) and our son Yossi (born April 2011), we form a most powerful team that will bring warmth and happiness to friends, families, and the community around us.

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Here is their story from their first year on Shlichus as co-directors of Chabad Jewish Center of Novato, CA.

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