Rabbi Shlomo and Rivka Kugel arrived on the Upper West Side thirty years ago, sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to bring the light of Chassidut to a thriving Jewish community.

From those early days manning a hot dog stand on the Columbia University campus, the Kugels have created a sprawling and vibrant source of Yiddishkeit at the Chabad of the West Side. Chabad now is the home of the Chabad Early Learning Center, Chabad Shul, Chabad Hebrew School, Friendship Circle, Chabad Modern Connections and more.

From Chabad of the West 60s until Inwood, over 6 Chabad Centers serve various neighborhoods with services, celebrations and inspiration. The Kugels, together with their dedicated children, have created an oasis of holiness and Torah in the midst of Manhattan. We honor their dedication and leadership. 

“We fell in love with Chabad of the West Side when we enrolled our first son, Eddy, at the Chabad Early Learning Center. We were greeted and treated so warmly that it felt at home for us and Eddy. Subsequently and fortunately, we also enrolled the younger siblings, Shira and Yonatan too. Chabad of the West Side is a big part of our life and we cannot imagine or describe how gratifying it is for us be a member of this Shul and community!”

Ety and Murad Shasha began their connection at Chabad with the CELC. Ety soon became a "Go-To-Person" at tChabad, always willing to lend a hand and artistic eye to class presentations and school celebrations. Murad and Ety began attending services at the Chabad Shul over 10 years ago, and have been stalwart supporters and a major presence in our Shul ever since. We are delighted to honor the Shashas for their commitment and spirit.