Rabbi Mendy Weitman
Founder and Executive Director
Rabbi Mendy Weitman, was born in São Paulo in Brazil, where his parents were based as Chabad emissaries and and his father is chief Rabbi of the Bet Yacov Synagogue. He pursued his rabbinical studies in Israel, and France, finally graduating in the United States at the Rabbinical College of America.
In September of 2009, Rabbi Mendy and his wife Frumie realized the great need to create a home away from home for the Spanish speaking community in NYC. With his background and his natural Latin warmth, Rabbi Mendy instinctively knows how to create a feeling of home for those so far away from it. In September of 2009, they founded the Jewish Latin Center in Downtown Manhattan, a now vibrant and thriving international community.
Rabbi Mendy is an expert in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions, and he is an international rabbinical authority to whom families from all backgrounds and communities can seek advice and services.
He recently served as the Rabbi of Sephardic synagogue on Fifth avenue, and is currently the Rabbi of the Ohel Moshe Synagogue at Moise Safra Center.
Mrs. Frumie Weitman
Co-Founder
Frumie Weitman was born in Toronto, Canada. She attended a Chabad girls High School in Canada and spent a year doing advanced studies in Israel. Frumie has many years of experience in teaching and tutoring Jewish Studies for people of all backgrounds and ages, connecting to those she met on a deep level.
In 2009, Frumie, together with Rabbi Mendy, envisioned a center that would become a vibrant, warm and homey setting for all those who needed it. Her warm personality and innate sensitivity to others enabled her to carry out this dream- the JLC, a true home away from home, was created.
Frumie founded the women's circle of the JLC, a program that hosts classes for women of the community year round and highlights the power of Jewish femininity and leadership.
Mrs. Weitman is also a talented educational director, currently serving as the Hebrew school and program director of the Moise Safra Center in New York.
Rabbi Hilel Raskin
Born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany then graduated his B.Sc in Software engineering at the Jerusalem College of technology. Continued as a Intern-Rabbi in Buenos Aires and in the Rabbinical Collage of New York. Since 2022, Rabbi Hilel coordinates the educational programs, social events, and 1 on 1 Tora classes.
Mrs. Lea Raskin
Daughter of the Chabad rabbis in montevideo Uruguay, wife of rabbi Hilel and proud mother of 3, Lea is founder and director of Tambourines Academy, a jewish performing arts School for girls.
As a passionate and talented teacher Lea runs ladies events, classes, individual study and challah bakes and is the host for Shabbat dinners in her home.