Looking for a Shul in Yorba Linda? Here's What Makes Chabad Special
Who is Chabad for?
Short answer: every Jew, wherever they're starting from. Young families, empty nesters, people who grew up with almost no Jewish background, longtime synagogue members, singles, retirees there's no single "type" of person who walks through our doors, and no checklist you need to meet first.
A Jew is a Jew is a Jew. Labels are for clothing, not people. You don't need a certain level of knowledge, a certain level of observance, or any prior involvement to belong here you just have to be Jewish, and that's automatically enough.
What makes it feel different
Chabad tends to feel less formal and more personal than what people expect from a synagogue. Come dressed however you're comfortable. There's no black-hat dress code, no test at the door, no judgment about where you're starting from. Most of the people you'll meet here aren't Orthodox, they're regular Jews who care about their heritage and are looking to reconnect, learn, or simply find community.
For your kids
Kids in the school programs learn from rabbis and teachers who genuinely care about them. Aleph Preschool runs Monday through Friday, and CKIDs afterschool club meets Wednesdays for school age children. Teens take part in CTEEN with volunteering and New York Shabbaton gatherings.
For you
There's plenty for adults too, the Jewish Learning Institute, lectures, social events, women's classes, Monthly Shabbats, holiday events, one on one learning with the Rabbi and mor4e throughout the year.
Services
The traditions go back millennia, but the approach is contemporary. The prayer book has a clear English translation alongside the Hebrew, and on holidays the Rabbi walks you through the meaning behind the prayers, not just the words. Expect real melody and warmth in the room, not stiffness.
The space
The campus is widely considered one of the most beautiful Jewish community spaces in Orange County, a newer facility with room for services, community events, and a school with modern classrooms, CTeen programming, and Aleph Preschool.
The people leading it
Rabbi David Eliezrie has led the community since its founding and is deeply knowledgeable about Judaism, he's also the author of several books on Chabad history and has lectured at over 100 locations worldwide. He and his wife Rebbetzin Stella (raised in LA) have six children, all married, and more than twenty grandchildren. They regularly open their home to the community for celebrations, and for the harder moments too. Reach him at [email protected].
Rabbi Levi Blesofsky partners with Rabbi Eliezrie as second Rabbi and across community programs and also serves as Chazzan. He is a social worker, His wife Rebbetzin Naomi Blesofsky runs the holiday programs, Shabbat programs, Hebrew school, and Aleph Preschool. Reach them at [email protected] or [email protected].
Bottom line
There's no membership requirement, just join whatever programs speak to you, at your own pace.
714-693-0770 | ocjewish.com