The secret behind the success of every Chabad Center is a dynamic husband and wife team, who inspired by
the vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, set out to change the world. Called “Shluchim” or emissaries, these
young couples settle in a new city and devote themselves to the needs of others.
Rabbi Shimi Ash was born in Melbourne as a third generation Australian; his grandparents moved to
Australia from Europe and became pillars of Melbourne’s vibrant Jewish Community. His parents are acclaimed educators and since his youth instilled in him a love of the Torah and Mitzvos. Shimi left home at the age of 15 to continue his Yeshiva education in Israel, Los Angeles and New York. Shimi is a talented cantor – he attended the Belz School of Jewish Music in New York City. Deciding to pursue his love for studying the Talmud, Shimi received his Rabbinic Ordination from the Atlanta Rabbinic Organization. His sense of humor and unassuming personality make him an engaging leader wherever he goes, and he is known for his care and concern for his fellow man. He has serviced Jewish communities around the world, mentoring high school teens in Tel Aviv and advancing Jewish life in places as far away as Beijing, Hawaii and Russia. He is excited about this new endeavor of building a thriving Jewish community in Gilbert inspired, as he is, by the wonders of Torah.
Mrs Chavie Ash was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of twelve children, she loves to connect with people
and to use her various creative skills to help others. Chavie studied in Tzfat, Israel for a year and graduated from Beit Chana Teaching Seminary. She has a great love for the land of Israel and even more so for the Jewish people. Inspired by an inner motivation to make a difference in the world, she traveled to volunteer in youth education programs in Copenhagen, Detroit, London, Istanbul, Dublin and Almaty. Wise beyond her years in parenting and family matters, the young mother of baby Mendel has mentored others to find happiness and fulfillment in their lives. Her passion for education led her to become the Assistant Director at an excellent Jewish preschool in Manhattan for the past five years. Ready to take on new challenges, she hopes to bring her expertise to the Gilbert community with innovative programming and classes.
