By Deb Silverthorn

Esther and Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz arrived in North Texas 18 years ago this week, joining Rivkie and Rabbi Menachem Block at Chabad of Plano dedicated to sharing Yiddishkeit, Jewish traditions and heritage to the blossoming community. The Horowitzes have now founded Chabad of Carrollton-Lewisville, based in the heart of Castle Hills.

“There isn’t much of an organized Jewish presence in this part of DFW. We are excited to be able to bring new opportunities for Jews to connect to one another and celebrate Jewish life together,” said Rabbi Horowitz. “We are looking forward to building a warm and vibrant community.

“We were outside our home watching the Hebron High School band, which was performing close by, and my son was wearing a kippah. Someone came by, clearly understanding its meaning, and we connected as she had children who go to a Chabad on their college campuses,” he added. “We’re meeting people wherever we go.”

When the Horowitzes arrived in Dallas it was with their then-3-year-old son Nosson, now living in Israel, and then-infant daughter Mushka, who is spending this year working at Beth Rivkah Lubavitch in Melbourne, Australia. The family has now expanded over the years to include Shaina, Mendel, Avraham David, Yetta, Menucha and Levi.

Rabbi Horowitz is a native of Brooklyn, New York. His path to Texas took him to England, Canada, Italy, Hawaii and Nevada, the last stop before Plano.

The Horowitzes and Chabad of Carrollton-Lewisville join Chabad of North Texas, nearly a dozen representations of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe’s mission, first brought to Dallas almost 40 years ago by Baila and Rabbi Mendel Dubrawsky. The mission, and its core, continues to spread.

Rabbi Horowitz is the eldest of eight children of Aliza and Yaakov Horowitz; Esther is the eldest of 11 born to Yehudis and Rabbi Eli Cohen. Their parents came to Chabad themselves, on different paths but all searching for spirituality.

“We know that the population here is growing and that there are many Jews looking to connect. We are inspired by the Rebbe’s vision to find the ‘Pintele Yid,’ the Jewish spark, and to ignite it,” said Esther. “Mitzvahs and learning opportunities, getting to know one another and just being together, that’s what we’re here for.

“Ultimately, our very personal mission here is part of a global vision,” she continued, “to make the world a better place, to bring Moshiach.”

Chabad of Carrollton-Lewisville opened its doors at the beginning of September. In just the first few weeks they hosted a children’s challah bake and a number of gatherings for Shabbat dinner and lunch. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, they will begin celebrating Rosh Hashanah with a holiday dinner; on Thursday, Oct. 3, there will be services, a holiday lunch, programming and refreshments; and on Friday, Oct. 4, there will again be morning services and a holiday lunch.

“The New Year, in a new space, along with new friends,” said Rabbi Horowitz. “We are just blocks from the Castle Hills Community Center, where we’ll hold services. We’re excited about having Tashlich at Lake Avalon, with so much beauty surrounding us.”

The Horowitzes have been making friends and finding their Jewish neighbors. Sivan and Guy Golan and their young children, introduced by mutual friends, live just doors away.

“It’s such a treat to have Esther and Rabbi here,” said Sivan. “We’ve been to their home for Shabbat dinner, first before they moved and now again that they are here. It was absolutely beautiful.

“I have been looking for a space to become more in touch with my Jewish traditions, to find for myself and my family a more spiritual bond. I believe Chabad of Carrollton-Lewisville was sent from above, literally sent to our doorstep.”

The future of programming is being created as they meet and build their community, say the Horowitzes. The two have led outreach, Hebrew school, bar and bat mitzvah clubs, learning for all ages and more and they’ll provide all that their new community can absorb.

“The wisdom and leadership of both Esther and Rabbi Horowitz has been instrumental in our growth and success and in how we serve our community,” said Chabad of Plano/Collin County’s Rabbi Menachem Block. “Their teaching and the example they live each and every day is inspiring and has been a source of nachas for us.

“They will forever hold a special place in our hearts,” said Block, “and we wish them a hearty ‘mazel tov’ and endless blessings that they should continue to shine.”

For more information and programming details, visit jewishcarrollton.org.