By Martin Barrett.
Burien has a new family in town, Rabbi Moshe and Devorah Wolff, who, along with their three children, moved into our city just a few weeks ago. They have been appointed to establish a new Chabad center to service the cities of Burien to Federal Way.
The word “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym for the three intellectual faculties of chochmah-wisdom, binah-comprehension, and da’at-knowledge. The movement’s system of Jewish religious philosophy (the deepest dimension of G-d’s Torah) teaches understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of Creation, and each Creature’s importance and unique mission. This philosophy guides people to refine and govern their every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension, and knowledge.
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory, Rabbi Wolff has come to serve the local Jewish population; It is uncertain exactly how large this group is. However, Rabbi Wolff estimates there to be over several hundred. Prior to now, there has not been a rabbi in the area to teach and lead our Jewish residents. Nor have those interested in learning more about Torah, Jewish faith, and its instruction for daily living had a resource or person to connect with.
The Wolffs hope that in the near future, a permanent Jewish center will be established in Burien. To start on this mission, Rabbi Moshe has begun to reach out to the known Jews in the area, gathering them together to celebrate the Jewish holidays and traditions. His main mission is to connect with every Jewish individual in this area and to support their needs as a Jew. Devorah is a teacher at the Jewish day school in Seattle, where her children also attend.Recently my wife and I were able to spend an afternoon with the Wolff family. It was a great delight! The Jewish tradition of honoring the sanctity of marriage and cherishing their children was profoundly moving. They view every child as a gift from G-d and welcome them into their family with joy; their affection is pronounced and genuine.We welcome Rabbi Moshe and Devorah Wolff to Burien! We believe they will make this Burien a better place to live and that they are part of shaping our city’s destiny into the Gem of the Sound.
