Rabbi Mendy Sasonkin founded Chabad of Akron/Canton in 1989. In 1995 he became Rabbi at Anshe Sfard Synagogue. Together with his wife, Kaila, they have led, taught and inspired a generation of Jewish Ohioans for three decades.

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On Simchat Torah, 5779 (November 2, 2018), Rabbi Mendy passed away after battling with cancer for 8 years. He was 54.

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Rabbi Mendy will be remembered for his kind and caring personality, his warm and charming smile, and his unconditional love for everyone he met.

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Chabad of Akron is continuing to function with renewed vigor, continuing the work Rabbi Mendy began. As Kaila puts it: “The family is going to continue the legacy” of the synagogue.

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May his memory be a blessing to us all!

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