Chabad is spreading its wings in Sussex by organising events in the Worthing area.

Freshly arrived from New York with their two young children, Rabbi Shaya and Mushky Gourarie will be joining forces with Chabad Lubavitch of Brighton, focusing on cheder and other activities for young people.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and hailing from a family of Jewish educators, Rabbi Gourarie graduated from Detroit’s Chabad Yeshivah, moving on to the Rabbinical College of America and further advanced study at the Chabad Lubavitch international headquarters in New York.

His wife grew up within Michigan’s Russian-Jewish community and completed her studies in Israel. Among other roles, she has worked for Chabad in Anchorage, Alaska.

“We are excited and energised to make Worthing and Brighton our home, bringing the joy of Judaism to families and individuals across Sussex,” Rabbi Gourarie said. “We hope to create a Chabad House — an address for anything Jewish in Worthing and other towns across West Sussex.

“We are encouraged by the amazing responses we’ve been getting from local residents and look forward to properly meeting everyone in person.”

It is estimated that there are between 300 to 400 Jews in Worthing and around 1,000 in West Sussex. The couple are excited about the opportunity to involve them in activities.

“The community in Worthing and surrounding towns has been growing steadily and much amazing work has been done for Jewish Worthing in recent years,” the rabbi noted.

“We are looking to take the seed already planted, growing and blossoming into a strong, beautiful community.

“It was heartwarming to read and hear the welcoming messages from Jewish residents and I was absolutely amazed by the turnout for our menorah lighting at the town hall. I feel we will be doing great things together.”