JewishVCU.org

Jewish Life at VCU

Campus Chabad House

Campus Chabad House in Richmond, Virginia, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Lessoff.

Originally from Israel and Ukraine, Rabbi Menachem and Daniela Lessoff moved to the U.S. after getting married in 2022—and they’ve hit the ground running ever since! The couple is thrilled to be serving the Jewish students at VCU, and their presence has brought a whole new energy to the JVCU house on Grove Avenue.

Every Friday night, they host vibrant Shabbat dinners, drawing in over 30 students, plus community members and VCU staff. It’s become the place to be for delicious food, meaningful conversation, and a real sense of belonging.

During the week, Rabbi Menachem is out on campus daily—tabling, meeting students, and building connections that have already boosted Jewish student involvement in a big way. Together, the Lessoffs have created a warm, welcoming space where students feel safe, supported, and proud to express their Jewish identity.

Their passion for their mission (shlichus) shines through, but beyond that, Menachem and Daniela bring so much heart and personality to the VCU Jewish community. When he’s not leading programs, you might find Rabbi Menachem off on a global adventure. Daniela, when not planning programs or cooking up amazing meals for students, can be found teaching preschool or getting lost in a good book.

From JewishVCU.org

Schedule

7:00pm at JVCU every Friday

From JewishVCU.org

Programs

Shabbat Dinner
Holidays
Mezuzah Bank
Social Outings and Events
Chabad Young Professionals (CYP)
#kosherrams
Shabbat Dinners
Holiday Celebrations
Chanukah
Purim
High Holiday
Passover Seder
Social Outings and Field Trips

On their site

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From JewishVCU.org

People

Rabbi Menachem Mendel LessoffDepartment Director
Rabbi Yossel KranzHead Shliach
Mrs. Daniela LessoffDepartment Director

What they offer

Jewish Life at VCU is a Chabad house on campus in Richmond, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Lessoff.

Visitors are welcomed for Shabbat and holiday meals. Kosher meals are available on a meal plan. They kosher kitchens for the community.

Classes run regularly, one-to-one study can be arranged, courses from the Jewish Learning Institute are taught and public lectures are held. There is a library.

Older children and young adults have a young professionals' circle.

Couples are prepared for marriage.

The center visits patients in hospital, visits Jewish prisoners, serves military personnel, looks after the elderly and provides humanitarian aid.

There is a women's group. Mezuzos and tefillin can be checked here.