New Shluchim Announced To Olathe, The Fourth Largest City in Kansas

Olathe, Kansas isn’t quite a bustling metropolis, yet it is one of the fastest growing cities in the region. With a population of 140,000, it is the fourth largest city in the state of Kansas. It is known to be very hospitable to young families, who continue to move there in large numbers.

The Olathe Jewish population (numbering about 1,200), which as of this writing has no communal infrastructure in place, will be getting a new boost with the arrival of Rabbi Mendel and Sheina (née Garelik) Wenger. Appointed by Rabbi Sholom Ber Weinberg, head Shliach and director of Chabad of Kansas and Missouri, they are eagerly embarking on a mission to uplift the local Jewish community and share their passion for Torah and Mitzvos with them.

Mendel grew up in Montreal and was educated in Chabad Yeshivos, where he diligently engaged in deep study of Torah and personal development. He also participated in several mentoring programs, and traveled around the world engaging in Jewish outreach.

Sheina grew up in Brooklyn, and attended Chabad institutions where she studied in preparation for this Shlichus role. She also spent several summers running Chabad day camps. Her talent as an educator has already been recognized in her work as a Chabad preschool teacher. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, she holds a masters degree in education.

“We are very excited to begin this new chapter in our lives, in helping to realize the Rebbe’s mission for a positive and dynamic approach towards Jewish practice” Mendel says. “I am especially passionate about Torah study and look forward to sharing this love with my new community”.

For the next three days, they are running a Charidy Campaign to raise the necessary funds to launch this new Chabad Center.

The Campaign page can be found here: https://www.charidy.com/chabadolathe