Rabbi Eli Hecht is a fourth generation American, a Chabad-Lubavitch ordained Rabbi, as well as a Rabbinical Judge (Dayan). Since 1993 he has served as vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, a national Jewish orthodox rabbinical group of 600 rabbis.
He writes an occasional op-ed column for the Long Beach Press Telegram and the Daily Breeze. His commentary is syndicated by the New York Times Features. His work has been translated into many languages including Hebrew, Yiddish, Italian, and Spanish. He has also written and published a book entitled "Crossing the Williamsburg Bridge".
In 1973 Rabbi Hecht moved from New York City to California. There he founded the Chabad of South Bay Center in Lomita. Presently he is Regional Director of the South Bay area ranging from San Pedro to Gardena, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, and Torrance.
His center houses the Bilowit Learning Center - a Jewish infant day care program, the Los Angeles Universal Preschool program, and a private day school, Maimonides Torah Academy. Both schools are licensed by the state of California and the Department of Social Services. The center provides Jewish study classes and seminars for all ages, and Mikvas Chana.
The Bilowit Learning Center is recognized as a gifted program, top in the field of child care, and serves as a model center for behavioral observation for the Harbor-UCLA school of Pediatrics. In 1997 a new Beis Rebbe Campus was added to the ever-growing community. This facility houses a library, synagogue and senior study program. A children's park was also created.
Rabbi Eli Hecht is the past-president of the Rabbinical Council of California (RCC). The RCC represents the orthodox rabbinate of California. Rabbi Hecht is the Chaplain at the Harbor-UCLA Hospital.
Rabbi Hecht resides in Lomita, California and is married to Dr. Dalia. Rabbi Hecht has fives sons and one daughter, and several grandchildren.
Chabad of South Bay
