Jewish Community Synagogue
JCS is the epicenter of the Jewish scene in Palm Beach, providing unparalleled service and entertainment and reliving our rich Jewish History.
Chabad of Palm Beach's mission is to bring together the Jewish Community of the greater Palm Beach and to serve the spiritual, educational and social needs of the community. We accomplish this through classes, social get-togethers, holiday events, and more.
Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui
Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. He moved to Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife Chani and his eldest son Yitzchok in 1987 to establish The Jewish Community Synagogue. He enjoys writing and teaching, and finds fulfillment in the many scholarly books he has written. Rabbi Shlomo brings the lessons of the Torah to life in a meaningful and relevant way in his weekly classes and lectures.
Rabbi Shlomo serves as Executive Director and Spiritual Leader of The Jewish Community Synagogue.
Mrs. Chani Ezagui
Mrs. Chani Ezagui grew up in Brooklyn, New York where she fulfilled her dream in receiving her degree in education. She moved to Palm Beach, Florida with her husband Shlomo in 1987. Aside from using her many years of experience to teach adults and children, she has cared for the homebound, elderly, and anyone in need by sending them home-cooked meals. After seeing the major need in the community, Chani founded The Kind Kitchen – a full-scale soup kitchen sending out hundreds of fresh meals to anyone who may be in need each week.
Mrs. Chani Ezagui is the Director of The Jewish Community Synagogue and founder of The Kind Kitchen of Palm Beach.
Rabbi Leib Ezagui
Rabbi Leib grew up in Palm Beach, Florida. At a young age, he studied in a Yeshiva (Talmudic Academy) in a small suburb near Paris, France, and lived there for four years. Then, he relocated to New York where he was able to finish his studies and receive his Rabbinical Ordination. Living in New York, Rabbi Leib was able to gain experience as a young Rabbi as he brought life to the many organizations he worked with. Soon after he met his wife Mushky, he got married and moved back to his hometown to rejoin the team at the Jewish Community Synagogue. With his incredible spirit and vigor, he brings excitement to the JCS community as the Rabbi of The Jewish Community Synagogue.
Rabbi Laizer & Bassie Raksin
Rabbi Laizer Raksin grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he lived until the age of 14. He studied at the Rabbinical College of Toronto and Yeshiva New Haven. Upon his return to Crown Heights, he was chosen by Chabad of Chevron to lead a group of chaplains and junior rabbis whose job was to service the spiritual and material needs of thousands of IDF soldiers stationed in Chevron. During his service in Israel, Rabbi Laizer completed his Rabbinical studies and was ordained as an official Rabbi by the Chief Rabbi of Haifa. After completing his service and settling back in the United States, Rabbi Laizer joined the Jewish Community Synagogue, bringing the spirit of the Holy Land to our beautiful Palm Beach, Florida. Rabbi Laizer also serves as a chaplain to the surrounding medical centers.
His wife, Bassie Raksin, grew up as part of the Chabad emissaries in Prague, playing a significant role since 1996 when Rabbi Manis Barash arrived with his family to open the Chabad Center in the heart of the former Jewish Quarter, known for its unique history and rich Jewish life. Today, visitors can walk in the steps of great sages like the Maharal, visiting many beautiful synagogues and other places devoted to Judaism. Chabad Prague has become well known not only among foreigners visiting but also among local Jews who regularly attend services and educational programs.
Rabbi Laizer and Bassie Raksin will assume the roles of Assistant Rabbi and Assistant Rebbetzin in our growing community
Rabbi Fitsy & Tova Barrocas
Fitzy grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, as one of nine siblings. His educational journey took him to schools in Cincinnati, South Africa, New Haven, and Oholei Torah.
Tova was raised in Brooklyn, NY (Crown Heights), in a family of eight. She attended Beis Chaya Mushka in Crown Heights and Rore Beis Chaya in Coral Springs.
Previously, they focused on engaging Jewish young professionals, participating in Friendship Circle, and leading CTeen in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. They are now excited to move to North Palm Beach to assume the roles of Director of Jewish Professional Outreach. They are grateful for the opportunity to connect with young adults and families, contributing positively to the community. Over the years, they have built numerous enduring and significant relationships that have become like family to them.
Together, Rabbi Fitzy and Tova will play a key role in furthering Jewish professional outreach within the growing community. Their leadership is eagerly anticipated as they continue to foster connections and make a positive impact.