Eliyahu Schusterman
Founder & Director of Chabad Intown
Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman is the founder and director of Chabad Intown - Atlanta. From its inception in 1997, Chabad Intown has grown exponentially and currently serves over 2,000 Jews of all backgrounds throughout the year. In addition, Rabbi Schusterman is a consultant for many Chabad Centers in fundraising and organization management. One of his passions is utilizing technology and business techniques to better impact the Jewish world and increase Jewish involvement. He received ordination from the Central Chabad Yeshiva in Brooklyn. He and his wife Dena, Executive Director of the Intown Jewish Preschool, have 8 children, and 2 grandchildren.
Dena Schusterman
Founder of Intown Jewish Preschool & Intown Hebrew School
Dena Schusterman is a founder of Chabad Intown in Atlanta, a Jewish educator and a founding director of both the Intown Jewish Preschool and the Intown Hebrew School. She teaches women's classes and is dedicated to teaching students of all ages in the Atlanta Jewish community and beyond through her published articles. Dena is currently working on writing her first book. She and her husband Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman are native Californians and have been living in Atlanta for 26 years. They have 8 children and two very cute grandsons.
Sara Elan
Chief Operating Officer and Marketing Director
Sara Elan, a home-grown Georgia Peach and former New Yorker, has a strong passion for community building and relationship fostering. As a past IJP and current Hebrew School parent, a Schusterman neighbor, and employee, Sara has a rich history with the Chabad Intown community. She brings her extensive leadership experience from notable companies, including American Express, Time Inc., and D.M.C. to Chabad Intown. When sheās not at work, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, brunching, and biking the Beltline.
Leivy Lapidus
Director of YJP Intown ATL
Rabbi Leivy Lapidus grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Passionate about bringing authentic Judaism to people, he has traveled extensively to places like New York, Guatemala, Los Angeles, Israel, Pucon, Chile, Mexico, and many more. Rabbi Leivy is driven to make the timeless messages of Judaism relevant to the daily grind. When he is not āRabbi-ingā Rabbi Leivy can be found playing a game of soccer or reading a book on philosophy in a nearby coffee shop.
Jonathan Schloss
Director of Operations
Jonathan grew up in Virginia and then moved around a lot studying or working in New Orleans, Roanoke, Honolulu, Williamsburg, and Orlando before settling in Atlanta in 1999. He has a Bachelor's Degree from Tulane University and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Hawaii. He spent 10 years working in Theme Park Entertainment, before moving to Atlanta to run the U.S. operations for a Canadian manufacturer of custom character costumes. In 2016, he transitioned to Chabad Intown. He's enjoyed being part of Chabad Intown's tremendous growth...and always looks forward to what's ahead for the organization. When not at Chabad, he's focused on family...as the father of two humans (a son and daughter) and two dogs (a Golden Retriever and a Flat Coated Retriever).
Shelbelle Lapidus
director of yjp intown atl
Rebbetzin Shelbelle Lapidus grew up right here in ATL. VaHi to be exact! Growing up in a home that had its doors open to Jews from every walk of life, Shelbelle knew that would be her chosen destiny. Her creativity (check out her side hustle @bellefotos!), warmth, and authenticity make connecting with her enjoyable. Shelbelle enjoys a sunset walk on the Beltline and coffee. So. Much. Coffee. She is passionate about womenās health and finding meaning in the mundane.
Scot aka Shmuel Albert
Project Manager
Scot aka Shmuel Albert moved to Atlanta nine months ago to join the team at Chabad Intown. Scot grew up in San Diego, he attended college in Los Angeles where he obtained his Bachelorās degree in Cinema from Columbia College. Scotās past experience includes working in the entertainment industry, as a Chef on an Alaskan cruise ship, and has over 20 years of experience in marketing working as a digital marketing manager. Scot has lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle, and has lived in Israel and holds dual citizenship. When not working Scot enjoys spending time with his daughter Erin.
James Waters
Operations Assistant
Since 2017, James Waters has been an integral part of the Chabad Intown community, contributing his expertise and passion to the organization. With over 15 years of experience as a Brick Mason, James has demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. He has also served with the GA State Patrol for 10 commendable years, exhibiting exceptional professionalism and a strong commitment to public safety. When James is not maintaining and constructing our Chabad Intown facility for services and events, you can find him outdoors, as he enjoys fishing, traveling, and hiking.
Mussy Groner
Director of Intown Hebrew School
Mussy is a Brooklyn-born educator who now calls Atlanta home. With a deep-rooted passion for teaching, she has over 20 years of experience in various educational roles, including summer camps, private tutoring, and teaching at Hebrew School. As a proud mother of five and a dedicated wife to Mendel, family is incredibly important to her. In her free time, Mussy enjoys baking, solving puzzles, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
RENA GRAY
Assistant Director
Rena holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood education and taught preschool-aged children for 11 years. Now in the office, she works to support the staff and administration in doing what they do best: providing a rich learning experience for the IJP students.
Sara Dworcan
Administrative Support and Special Projects
Sara Schusterman was born and raised right here in the Atlanta Intown community. Sara has spent time studying in diverse locations such as New York, Australia, and Israel. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Sara Schenirer/Saint Peter's University. Currently, Sara works as an Administrative Support and Special Projects staff member here at Chabad Intown, where she utilizes her organizational and problem-solving skills to ensure the smooth running of operations.
Yehuda Litke
Program Director of Jeff's Place
Yehuda is a New York-born and raised young professional who is passionate about mental health and has devoted his career to the service of the recovery community. He holds a BA from Excelsior University and is pursuing a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling. Yehuda has several years of experience working in different mental health and substance abuse-treatment environments, including inpatient treatment centers, outpatient non-profits, and volunteering in community spaces. In his free time, Yehuda enjoys songwriting, tennis, cooking, watching the Yankees, engaging in Jewish-oriented events with the Atlanta young professional community, going to EDM concerts, and hanging out with his cat, Apollo.
Miriam Sadkhin
Events coordinator
Miriam Sadkhin, a Chicago native and child of USSR-born Jewish refugees, sought a fresh start after half a year of studying abroad and traveling. In August 2023, she found her new home in Atlanta, Georgia. With a Bachelorās degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Miriam found her passion in event coordination, inspired by her love for parties. Growing up, she attended a tiny Chabad in the Chicago suburbs, and as the daughter of a Klezmer musician, visited synagogues all over the Midwest. These experiences ingrained in her a deep appreciation for Chabadās mission of uniting Jews from all walks of life, throwing simchas to do just that. When she's not running around at Chabad, you can find her exploring the city, thrifting, or sunbathing in Piedmont Park.
