Rabbi Peretz and Chanie Chein arrived in the fall of 2001 to Waltham and established the Chabad House at Brandeis University.
With the vision of a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment, they came to establish a place where Jewish students of all backgrounds and levels of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage.
The Chabad House started in a small apartment with a few students in attendance, but word of mouth spread the program like wildfire.
The Chabad House is now located in a 3-story, 6,400 square foot home on 54 Turner Street, just one block away from campus. Shabbat dinners attract over 150 diverse students a week, and weekly classes and events stimulate minds and spirits.
Over two decades the Chabad House has expanded exponentially, proving the Cheins’ vision was a success.
Chanie & Peretz were married in January 2000
Peretz was born in Israel to Russian parents. As a child he immigrated with his parents to the United States and was raised in Brooklyn. He studied in Yeshivot in Israel, New York, Paris, Melbourne and Toronto.
Chanie was born in Brooklyn. Her parents are children of Holocaust survivors. She studied in New York and Melbourne, and has a BA in Special Education from Mercy College.
Together with their six children, they continue to create a warm and welcoming home for students, raising spirits and stimulating minds.
And they don't take themselves too seriously.
Shlomo Chein is their son, and Shifra Chein is their daughter.
