Friends of Lubavitch

Rabbi Mordechai and Nechamie Silberberg arrived in the fall of 1999 to London to help develop and expand the Friends of Lubavitch Chabad at the University of Western Ontario. With the foundation set by Dr. and Mrs. Block the Silberberg’s came with the vision of creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment. This helped establish a place where Jewish students of all backgrounds and levels of observance could enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage.

The Friends of Lubavitch Chabad "student Synagogue" started in a modest, small house attracting dozens of students each week. But word of mouth spread and there was soon a desperate need to expand our premises. With the generosity of the Berg family of Toronto, Chabad purchased a 2-story 8,000 square foot building, just steps from the university entrance. Fully equipped with a commercial kitchen, large dining area, synagogue and library study space, the House has evolved into Jewish Student Synagogue.

In January 2023, Rabbi Yossi and Mushkie Swued, together with their daughter Chana, moved to London to continue the incredible work of Chabad at Western and build upon the strong foundation that had been established over the years.

With a deep commitment to the students and a passion for Jewish life on campus, Yossi and Mushkie have worked to make Chabad a true home away from home — a place where every Jewish student feels welcome, cared for, and inspired to grow in their connection to Judaism. Since arriving, their family has grown as well, with the addition of their sons Mendel and Chaim, who together with Chana have become very much a part of the Chabad at Western family.

From chabadwestern.org