Meet the Shmotkins

Rabbi Levi & Chani Shmotkin moved to Wauwatosa in July 2024 to establish and open the Wauwatosa Chabad Jewish Community Center, to create a space where every Jew is welcome to celebrate their Judaism no matter their background or level of observance.

​

Rabbi Levi was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a family of 10 children. He studied at the Yeshiva in Detroit and Chicago, the Rabbinical college in Brunoy, France, and received his Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Dovid Schochet. Rabbi Levi has taught at Bader Hillel Academy for the past 5 years. He also taught classes for adults and teens. Levi loves to share his knowledge and connect with others. 

​

Mrs. Chani was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and is the only girl in a family of 8. She volunteered at Chabad centers, taught at Hebrew schools, and was a camp counselor during high school. She furthered her education at Beth Chana Teachers College in Tzfat, Israel. After graduating, she joined the Jewish community in Ghana, West Africa, assisting with community programs. After marrying Levi in 2023, she moved to Wisconsin to teach at Jewish Beginnings Lubavitch Preschool. Chani loves to share her enthusiasm about Judaism with others, and has always dreamed of opening a Chabad Center.

 

They are excited to finally be opening a Jewish Chabad Center of their own, for the community in Tosa.