By Deb Silverthorn

In June 2024, Mooka and Rabbi Baruch Hecht opened the doors of Chabad Park Cities to cultivate proud, authentic, joyous Jewish life.

“We came to Dallas for a Shabbos during Hanukkah and the rest is history,” said Rabbi Hecht. “It’s been an honor to work with Zvi and Aidy (Drizin) and to see The Intown Chabad grow. We want everyone to feel welcomed, appreciated and heard.

“We’re creating community. In the Park Cities there are teens, empty nesters, young families and seniors. We want to give Judaism a home here,” he added. “On Saturdays, we have services, a Kiddush lunch, shmoozing, some basketball. It’s joyous, Shabbosdik and fun.”

The Hechts and their children Shayna and Mendel moved to Dallas in 2015 to help The Intown Chabad’s outreach to young professionals. Mooka’s brother, Rabbi Moshe Naparstek, and his wife and Dallas native Chana are nearby; since 2009, they have been affiliated with Chabad of Dallas. The Hecht family has since grown to seven, with children Henna, Abraham and Batsheva all Dallas-born.

The Hechts, natives of Southern California, come from generations of Chabad emissaries. His parents, Chanie and Rabbi Sruly Hecht, for years ran Chabad Outreach of the South Bay; her parents are Leah and Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek of Chabad of Marina Del Rey.

“We grew up in the Chabad life of outreach, learning and beauty. We’re so happy to be here and help the community grow,” said Mooka. “We have services, programming, learning and activities for everyone — every level — from new babies to, G-d willing, 120.”

High Holidays services and programming, including children’s services, will begin with an Erev Rosh Hashanah dinner and shofar. At 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, a Friday Night Lights evening — to become a monthly regular celebration — will include a youth-led Shabbat service, candlelighting Kiddush and small bites.

CPC’s Teen Scene features twice-monthly educational and social programming, hands-on fun, inspiration and a kosher meal. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 29, teens are invited to participate in a challah bake to get in the spirit of the upcoming High Holidays.

Twice-weekly Jewish learning and philosophy classes are open to all adults and “Reservation for Two,” a monthly Shabbat celebration for couples, includes a happy hour, candlelighting, Shabbat service and three-course dinner.

The Levana program welcomes women in the community to celebrate the new month each Rosh Chodesh and Babyccino brings activities, fun and tradition to some of the youngest in the community.

For years, The Intown Chabad’s director Rabbi Zvi Drizin saw the area growing. He lauds the Hechts as the right support to an expanding community with excellent schools and beautiful homes.

“We know the people are there, we’ve heard more than 100 Jews are here with more coming and we’re proud for them to grow and build community,” he said. “Baruch and Mooka are amazing. He’s a superstar, she’s a balabusta of the highest order and together they are sincere and heartfelt. Wherever people are in their Judaism, they want to meet and encourage them.”

Shari and Aaron Handler and their family appreciate CPC.

“We started a group to connect area Jews and more than 100 people came to our home for an oneg Shabbat,” said Shari. “The group grew and grew and then the pandemic came. Later, we heard a rumor of Chabad coming. We went to a Shabbat dinner with the Hechts.

“We can’t say enough good things,” she said. “Having them here is going to be phenomenal.”

Corey Golomb, who previously lived near and participated at both Chabad of Dallas and Chabad of Plano, is thrilled the Hechts are closer to where she lives now.

“My nephew knew the Hechts and called to tell me we were basically neighbors,” she said. “I’ve been going to classes and I really enjoy it. I’ve retired from a career in education and enjoy sharing my background and perspective. Rabbi Hecht, who is so warm and always a pleasure to learn with, always seems to appreciate the approach.”

Park Cities joins almost 20 other Chabad-related entities in North Texas, the first founded by Baila and Rabbi Mendel Dubrawsky. As the generations have been raised, so have the organization’s divisions and representation.

“We are mandated by the (late Lubavitcher) Rebbe to serve as emissaries, to ignite people’s souls and to help them ignite their own souls,” said Rabbi Mendel Dubrawsky, director of Chabad of Dallas. “That is what we are here for.

“The Hechts are great mentors to many and the friendships and relationships built over these years are tremendous,” said Dubrawsky. “We’re taught in Pirkei Avot to ‘make for yourself a teacher, a rav, and acquire for yourself a good friend.’ How wonderful to have both in this very special couple.”

For information on programming, events and weekly services, visit chabadparkcities.com.