Our Team
Rabbi Shaya and Shayna Gopin
Rabbi Shaya Gopin, a Connecticut native, is passionate about creating Jewish experiences that resonate in today’s world. Raised as a Chabad emissary in the Hartford area, he completed his studies at the Rabbinical College of America and traveled around the globe to share Judaism in communities including Thailand, Siberia, and Miami. His lifelong vision has been to return home to elevate and expand Chabad’s impact in the community. Rabbi Shaya is a thoughtful leader, a gentle listener—and a great coffee date!
Shayna Gopin grew up as a Chabad emissary in New Orleans, where she embraced the local spirit of “Let the good times roll” — and brings that joyful energy into her work. She prioritizes nurturing the Jewish woman and educating the next generation with love, depth and so much fun they want to come back for more!
Shayna and Rabbi Shaya, along with their 8 children established Farmington Chabad, with the vision to create a Jewish community where all are welcomed with open arms to discover, connect and celebrate. Chabad is proudly funded by the local community.
Come check us out!
Rabbi Hershel and Sara Spalter
Rabbi Hershel and Sara Spalter grew up in the heart of Chabad headquarters, Crown Heights, and now lead Friendship Circle. FC brings together children, teens, and young adults of all abilities through inclusive social and Jewish programming.
Sara brings creativity and care to every interaction, designing programs that meet each participant where they are. Rabbi Hershel draws on years of experience mentoring teens, helping them grow with confidence and purpose.
Together, they’re creating a space that celebrates all abilities, where everyone feels valued and can contribute.
About Chabad:
Chabad is a global movement of Jewish education and community driven by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Since 1951, the Rebbe's goal to reach out to every corner of the world with love has unfolded dramatically, with over 3,500 Chabad centers in nearly 1,000 cities worldwide. Click here to learn more.
Motivated by a profound love for humanity and spurred by boundless optimism, the Rebbe lifted the global Jewish community from the ashes of the Holocaust and guided the establishment of an unprecedented range of Jewish institutions, outreach programs, and social services.
Chabad strongly upholds the belief that:
- Every person has a unique role to play in this world and an integral part of the tapestry of G‑d's creation.
- Education breeds passion for Judaism.
- There’s no such thing as a small mitzvah
- It will be your next act of goodness and kindness that will bring us to the times of the final redemption– Moshiach now!
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