Rabbi Serves a Growing Community

Rabbi Levi Mendelow's love of learning and the rich heritage of Judaism have taken him all over the world. But now he and his family are in New Canaan to serve what he calls a growing Jewish community.

"One of the wonderful things about Judaism, no matter where we are, is it remains relevant," Mendelow said. "The richness of the heritage is relevant to the modern world, and I enjoy living that and sharing that."

Mendelow and his wife, Michal, are co-directors of the Chabad Lubavitch New Canaan, an offshoot of the Chabad Lubavitch of Stamford. The Mendelows will hold Yom Kippur services beginning at 7 p.m. Friday at New Canaan High School.

Mendelow, 30, did not initially consider a rabbinical career but grew more interested as he learned more about Judaism. "As I got a little older and started studying Judaism more in depth, I was enriched by the teachings and traditions," said Mendelow, who grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. "I felt that probably the richest thing I could do with my life was to dedicate my life to educating and sharing the richness of Jewish tradition."

He traveled through South Africa, Israel and the United States while a rabbinical student, becoming an ordained rabbi at 24. The Mendelows lived in Stamford until moving to New Canaan six months ago. He still serves as the lifelong learning director at the Chabad of Stamford. Michal is the director of Ganyelacim Early Childhood Center in Stamford.

"We have been tremendously gratified with the [New Canaan] community, both the Jewish members and the general members of the community. It's been wonderful how they've welcomed us," he said.

Yom Kippur services will continue at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday at New Canaan High School.

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