Chabad East DC Jewish Center is more than a building. It is a community. A warm and welcoming Jewish home where people of all backgrounds can connect, learn, celebrate, and grow together.
Our community is made possible by an extraordinary team of dedicated, caring, and passionate individuals. We are honored to have such wonderful people who give of themselves each day to create a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and at home. Together, we are committed to serving our community with warmth, kindness, and excellence.
Meet the wonderful team behind Chabad East DC below!
Rabbi Yitzy Ceitlin
Rabbi , Co-Director
Rabbi Yitzy was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. He pursued his rabbinic studies in Connecticut and New York before receiving rabbinic ordination in Jerusalem from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg OBM, former Chief Justice of Jerusalem's Rabbinical High Court. As a rabbinic student, Rabbi Yitzy directed Chabad programs and community initiatives in Kenya, Malta, Mexico, Ukraine, Israel, and numerous cities across the United States. He also taught at the New Haven Rabbinical Seminary and, for three years, delivered Torah classes and educational programs at Chabad of Midtown Manhattan. After marrying his Washington native wife, Shana, they made their home in Washington, DC, where they are committed to building a vibrant and welcoming Jewish community on Capitol Hill for generations to come.
Shana Ceitlin
Program Coordinator, Co-Director
Shana (née Shemtov) was born right here on Capitol Hill and took her very first steps in her family's home on C Street NE. After studying in New York for many years, she continued her education in Jerusalem, where she immersed herself in Judaic studies as well as Chassidic philosophy and practice. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, Shana specializes in child development. She has spent many years teaching young children, leading creative enrichment programs, and serving as a lead classroom teacher, helping children grow through warmth, creativity, and hands on learning. Shana loves painting, cooking, and baking fresh challah every Friday morning. She'd be delighted to have you join her to braid the dough while sharing the beauty, meaning, and traditions of Shabbat.
Dr. Sofia Teferi
Adult Education Coordinator
Dr. Teferi grew up with a passion for science and helping others. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, and went on to earn her Medical Degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Dr. Teferi has over 20 years of experience as a pediatrician, caring for children in a variety of settings, and is a strong advocate for children’s health and pediatric initiatives. She currently practices at INOVA Children’s Hospital and also serves as a Principal Investigator conducting clinical trials. Outside of her work with patients, Dr. Teferi serves on the Board of Trustees for Goucher College and participates in other community organizations.
Rachel Feinstein
Women Engagement Coordinator
Rachel has lived in the DC area since 2011 and on the Hill since 2015, working in politics. As a longtime member of Women in Government Relations (WGR) and current Board of Directors member, she is involved in the organization’s women’s mentoring program and the advancement of women in the workplace. She also developed a successful women’s mentoring program for a previous employer and continues to advocate for women’s empowerment at work and finding personal balance at home. Rachel enjoys golf, reading, and learning about Jewish mysticism and different ways to incorporate Jewish values into everyday life. Her favorite Chabad function is the women's torah study class, and she is constantly looking for ways to get more women involved in all that Chabad East DC has to offer.
Jessica Zippin
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Coordinator
Jessica was born and raised in Toronto and moved to Washington, D.C. in 2001. Jessica has had a varied career, from founding and operating a pet-sitting company on Capitol Hill to managing energy efficiency programs for utilities. Jessica and her husband have two teenagers, a boy and girl, that are active with Chabad East DC. Her daughter, Aviva, was Chabad East DC’s first Bat Mitzvah! Jessica is excited to guide families on their B’nai Mitzvah journeys and the subsequent Jewish learning opportunities available to their teenagers.
Micah Pickus
Cantor
Micha is a Jewish song leader based in Washington, D.C., with more than a decade of experience leading music, prayer services, and youth programming at synagogues, camps, and religious schools across four states. He has led High Holiday services for hundreds of congregants and taught Hebrew songs, prayer, and Jewish music to children from kindergarten through B'nei Mitzvah age. Micah also had the honor of leading services at the Great Synagogue of Copenhagen. He is proficient in liturgical Hebrew, plays both piano and guitar, and has trained with leading cantors and vocalists. Micah holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Maryland and a B.A. in Russian Studies from Brandeis University. He was also awarded a prestigious 2023–2024 Boren Fellowship for advanced Russian-language study in Kazakhstan.
Richard Gano
Treasurer
Richard was born and raised in Camarillo, California. With his background as a tax attorney for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and his BA in Accounting, Richard brings sound financial advice to the table. Moshe enjoys getting involved in community events, and loves the adult education classes and summer BBQs. But what stands out about Moshe is his kind heart; although he keeps it discreet, it speaks volumes.