Chabad of Buckhead Welcomes New Rabbi

Rabbi Yisrael New, Chabad of Buckhead and Brookhaven has announced the appointment of Rabbi Mendel and Itty Wuensch as the new directors of Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) Buckhead, a meaningful step in the organization’s continued investment in Atlanta’s growing community of Jewish young professionals.

Originally from Florida, the Wuensches’ bring experience in Jewish education, community building, and leadership. Rabbi Mendel most recently served as the rabbi of the English-speaking community in Ir Yamim, Netanya, Israel, where he helped cultivate a thriving synagogue. Itty co-founded Oryah Seminary in Israel, a post-high school educational program for young Jewish women combining advanced Jewish learning with personal growth, leadership development, and mentorship. Through Oryah, she has inspired and guided hundreds of young women in preparing for the next life stage.

Rabbi Mendel and Itty plan to create a warm, welcoming home for Jewish young professionals. “We are honored to join the Chabad of Buckhead family and are grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. Our hope is to create a place where every young Jewish adult feels welcomed, inspired, and proud of their Jewish identity. We look forward to meeting people, building lasting friendships and growing together.”

Their time in Israel was described as “incredible.” As a team, they led the Ir Yamim Aliyah community. Rabbi Wuensch described the sacrifices of “choosing less money and less physical ease for something deeply meaningful. Also, many have family on the Israel Defense Force front lines.

Itty related, “Living among such passionate, determined people and witnessing, up close, the miracles G-d has performed during the most monumental times in our recent history, was a powerful blessing. We look forward to returning with the final redemption.”

In terms of Buckhead being in such a “happening” area, they instantly fell in love with that part of the city. Rabbi Wuensch explained, “The beauty, wholesomeness, and nature here reflected the people we met: down-to-earth, friendly, happy, and truly looking to grow and connect in a real way. “

Itty and Rabbi Mendel both grew up in the tight-knit Bal Harbour community and married at 22. They were raised inside Itty’s grandfather, Rabbi Sholom Lipskar’s, legendary Chabad synagogue, The Shul of Bal Harbour. Living within walking distance of East Wesley, they want to be close enough for people “to knock on the door and come on in.”

In their new roles, they will oversee Chabad’s rapidly growing young professionals division, expanding opportunities for Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s through Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, educational classes, social events, and community-building initiatives.

“This is a tremendously exciting moment for our community. As our community continues to grow, so does our responsibility to invest in its future. Rabbi Mendel and Itty embody everything we hoped for in leaders of CYP: warmth, authenticity, vision and a genuine love for every person they meet. We are incredibly excited to welcome them to Atlanta and are confident they will make an extraordinary impact on the lives of countless young Jewish adults,” said Rabbi Yisrael New, who expressed gratitude to Chabad of Georgia for guidance and support throughout this process.

Rabbi Yossi New added, “Many Jewish college students become deeply connected to their Judaism due to their involvement with the Chabad House that serves their campus. Chabad Young Professionals allows that connection to continue and flourish. Kudos to Rabbi Yisrael and his supporters for their vision. Buckhead has been the perfect place in Atlanta to establish a CYP chapter, and we continue to see its tremendous growth.”

Rabbi Yisrael New concluded, the Wuensches’ new role represents another milestone in Chabad of Buckhead’s ongoing expansion, reflecting its commitment to serving the evolving needs of the Buckhead Jewish community while strengthening Jewish life for the next generation, some of whom did not have the benefit of a Jewish education.

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