New Shluchim to Connecticut

Rabbi Joseph Gopin, director of the Chabad House of Greater Hartford, CT, announced the hiring of Rabbi Yehuda and Chaya Matusof as youth directors.

“We are very excited to welcome the Matusofs to our community,” said Gopin. “Chabad has always put a strong emphasis on educating the youth. This will take things to a whole new level.”

Chaya and Yehuda, who recently moved to West Hartford, intend to hit the ground running. “Our first order of business is Camp Gan Izzy,” said Rabbi Matusof, referring to Chabad’s popular summer camp. “We intend to build on Gan Izzy’s record of success, ensuring that the children have an awesome and meaningful summer.”

Both Matusofs come to this position with extensive experience in the areas of education and camping. Chaya is a master teacher, specializing in the educational approach of Reggio Emelia. “I strongly believe that we must harness the natural curiosity of each child,” she says. “We must maximize his or her potential fully.”

Yehuda, too, comes with an impressive set of qualifications. In addition to leading creative educational programs in several states throughout North America, he has coordinated activities in places as diverse as Cuba, Germany, Japan, and Russia. He has developed multiple curriculums designed to hone the skill sets of individual children through hands on activities. He has been trained at the National Camping School led by the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to the summer program, the Matusofs will be charged with increasing Chabad’s offerings for youth throughout the year. “We know that there are many children who can benefit from a high quality, Jewish educational experience,” says Rabbi Gopin. “We intend to reach a growing number in the coming years.”