Meet the Team
Meet the people dedicated to building Jewish life, learning, and community in Burlington and throughout Vermont.
Rabbi Yitzchok & Zeesy Raskin
Executive Directors
Rabbi Yitzchok Raskin, originally from Casablanca, Morocco, has lived in Burlington, Vermont, with his family for the past 30 years, where he serves as Director of Chabad of Vermont.
A relatable and engaging speaker, he has captivated audiences of all backgrounds and ages. Rabbi Raskin is an educator and guest lecturer who has taught courses through the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) for five years, covering topics including Jewish ethics, mysticism, philosophy, history, culture, belief, and practice.
Rabbi Eliyahu & Draizy Junik
Program Directors
Rabbi Eliyahu Junik grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and spent four years studying in Israel before continuing his rabbinical studies. After completing his studies, he came to Vermont, where he has spent the past six years helping strengthen Jewish life and community.
Draizy Junik grew up in Burlington and continued her Jewish studies in Brooklyn and Israel. She is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for Jewish connection, learning, and engagement throughout the community.
Together, Eliyahu and Draizy work to develop programs that bring Jews of all backgrounds closer to their heritage and to one another. One of their dreams has been realized through the growth of Jewish elementary education in Vermont, helping provide the next generation with a strong foundation in Jewish learning and identity.