ABOUT US
MEET RABBI MENACHEM & DANIELA LESSOFF!
Originally from Israel and Ukraine, Rabbi Menachem and Daniela Lessoff moved to the U.S. after getting married in 2022—and they’ve hit the ground running ever since! The couple is thrilled to be serving the Jewish students at VCU, and their presence has brought a whole new energy to the JVCU house on Grove Avenue.
Every Friday night, they host vibrant Shabbat dinners, drawing in over 30 students, plus community members and VCU staff. It’s become the place to be for delicious food, meaningful conversation, and a real sense of belonging.
During the week, Rabbi Menachem is out on campus daily—tabling, meeting students, and building connections that have already boosted Jewish student involvement in a big way. Together, the Lessoffs have created a warm, welcoming space where students feel safe, supported, and proud to express their Jewish identity.
Their passion for their mission (shlichus) shines through, but beyond that, Menachem and Daniela bring so much heart and personality to the VCU Jewish community. When he’s not leading programs, you might find Rabbi Menachem off on a global adventure. Daniela, when not planning programs or cooking up amazing meals for students, can be found teaching preschool or getting lost in a good book.
The Lessoffs are here, and they’re making a difference—one student, one meal, and one connection at a time.
MEET OUR STUDENT BOARD
Lindsay Adams
President
Nellie Shendarovich
Vice President
Dani Krause
Treasurer
Cal Lawson
Secretary
Sarah Martin
Officer
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Rabbi Menachem Lessoff
Rabbi Menachem Lessoff serves as the Chabad Rabbi and director of Jewish Life at VCU. Together with his wife Daniela, he has built a warm and vibrant Jewish home on campus, as part of the lubavitcher rebbe lifelong mission - to reach every Jew with love, pride, and a deep sense of belonging.
Mrs. Daniela Lessoff
Daniela Lessoff is the co-director of Jewish Life at VCU and the heart of the Jewish home they’ve built on campus. She grew up in Ukraine, studied in Israel, and holds a Master’s degree in Education. Known for her warmth, joy, and care, Daniela helps create a welcoming environment where students feel safe, supported, and inspired. Whether through Shabbat meals, one-on-one connections, or thoughtful Torah learning, she uplifts Jewish students with a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
Rabbi Yossel Kranz
Rabbi Yossel Kranz is the Executive Director at Chabad of Virginia and has served the Richmond community for over 30 years.
Mrs. Ruth Greene, JD
Mr. Stuart Siegel
Stuart C. Siegel is a Richmond, Virginia native who is a widely respected business and community leader with decades of service on numerous boards. He currently serves on the boards of the VCU Athletics (as Chairman), the Richmond SPCA, the Virginia Holocaust Museum, and the Virginia Racing Commission. His past affiliations span prominent institutions including VCU, the University of Virginia Foundation, the Virginia State Lottery Board, and The Community Foundation. Mr. Siegel has been recognized with numerous honors for his civic and philanthropic contributions, including the VCU Edward Wayne Medal, the Richmond SPCA’s Ellen Glasgow Award, and the ADL Man of Achievement Award.
Dr. Jessica Trisko Darden, Professor
Jessica Trisko Darden is Associate Professor of Political Science at VCU, where her research and teaching focus on issues of political violence and human rights. Her latest book is "The Accused: How Women Faced Justice for Nazi-Era Crimes". Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Dr. Trisko Darden wants every student to feel like Jewish Life at VCU is home.
Mr. Sam Revenson
