Surprise! New Shluchim to Arizona’s Growing City

By COLlive reporter 

Rabbi Shlomy and Batya Ceitlin are moving to Arizona with their son Mendel to establish Chabad of Surprise, a “Top 25 Growth City” in America every year since 2020.

Founded in 1938 as just one square mile of farmland, Surprise saw rapid and tremendous growth. Over the last 24 years, its population grew from 30,000 to 150,000.

It is located in the West Valley of Phoenix and has been part of the area that was serviced by the Shluchim Rabbi Sholom and Chana Lew for the past 24 years.

Their daughter Batya grew up on Shlichus and has taken an active role in assisting her parents. After attending the local Jewish day schools in Phoenix, she graduated from Bais Rivkah High School in Crown Heights, Bais Chana in Tzfas, and Bais Rivkah Seminary Bais.

In 2023, Batya married Rabbi Shlomy Ceitlin. He was born in Montreal, Canada, and studied in Chabad Yeshivos in Detroit, Toronto, and Baltimore. He received rabbinical ordination in Los Angeles and Brooklyn, NY. He served as a traveling rabbi around the globe (Ukraine, Dubai, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, and across the US) and taught in multiple Yeshivos in Crown Heights.

Rabbi and Mrs. Ceitlin announced their new Shlichus ahead of Gimmel Tammuz, the 30th yartzeit of the Rebbe, inspired by his call to reach out to every Jewish person and prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach.

“Our mission is to establish a Jewish center that will provide a warm and welcoming space for all the Jews of Surprise, no matter their affiliation, age, or background,” they said.

They will be reaching out to young families in Surprise, and will also serve seniors in the area. The planned programs include classes, Shabbos and holiday dinners, and educational events.

They were appointed by Rabbi Sholom Lew, under the auspices of Rabbi Zalman Levertov, Head Shliach of Arizona.

To help them get started, please donate: https://www.charidy.com/chabadofsurprise

Zelle/PayPal/CashApp: jewishsurprise@gmail.com