Passover at the Verdura Resort

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet has been the senior Rabbi of the Mill Hill Synagogue in London for over 30 years. During that time he has seen the community grow in excess of 2000 members. He has a masters degree in Jewish Studies from University College London and is a certified mediator with the London Institute of Arbitration.
He authors numerous articles for newspapers, magazines and journals. He served as Diary Rabbi for the Guardian newspaper and also writes for the Jewish Chronicle as well as a very popular weekly column in the Jewish Weekly. He has featured in numerous national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Telegraph and the London Times, as well as Time Magazine International. Rabbi Schochet can often be seen on television including BBC as a regular panelist for The Big Question and on CNN.

Hailed as one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world, Rabbi Schochet has lectured in Russia, Australia, South Africa, Israel and all parts of the US and Europe and has been rated top speaker at the National Jewish Retreat in the US for several years running. He was also keynote speaker at the International Chabad Conference in New York in 2019, where he addressed 6000 rabbis and lay leaders. In 2024, Rabbi Schochet was invited as guest speaker for the International Siyum HaRambam, addressing more than 10,000 attendees in Brooklyn NY.

Rabbi Schochet served on the Chief Rabbi’s Cabinet with the portfolio of “Family” and as chairman of the Rabbinical Council in the UK. He is currently the longest serving rabbi in the United Synagogue. He was named by the Jewish Telegraph as one of the ten most influential rabbis in the United Kingdom. The Jewish Chronicle describes him as “one of the most outspoken Rabbis in the world.”

He is the author of JoyWorks – Jewish Wisdom for a Happy Life (Mosaica Press) due for release in 2026.

He is married with five children and grandchildren.

January 19, 2023

Jonathan Conricus

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, Senior Fellow at FDD and Co-Founder of the nonprofit ShieldGiving, which works to ensure accurate, balanced, and factual reporting.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, brings 24 years of distinguished experience with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A combat commander in Lebanon and Gaza, he also excelled in military diplomacy, foreign relations, and served as an international spokesperson for four years. As the first Israeli officer seconded to the United Nations (UN), Jonathan provided strategic analysis to support UN peacekeeping forces. While serving as IDF International Spokesman, Jonathan played a pivotal role in international media, offering expert analysis on complex military operations. He has contributed to hundreds of interviews across broadcast, print, and social media, reaching millions globally.

Beyond his military career, Jonathan is the host of the soon-to-launch show “The Bottom Line.” A passionate Zionist, he is dedicated to strengthening the connection between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Committed to promoting Israel’s global reputation, Jonathan co-founded the nonprofit ShieldGiving, an organization that engages with journalists through high-level briefings to ensure accurate, balanced, and factual reporting.

Through his ongoing efforts in Defending Israel On & Off the Airwaves, Jonathan continues to shape the media narrative, advocating for fair coverage of Israel in the international press. Residing in Israel with his family, Jonathan enjoys exploring new destinations on his motorcycle, embracing his adventurous spirit.

February 21, 2024

Rabbi Mendy Schochet

Rabbi Mendy Schochet was born and raised in London, England, where his parents serve as the spiritual leaders of a large thriving Jewish community.

He studied in the Oholei Torah Talmudic Seminary in Brooklyn, New York, and the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Mendy also served as a teacher and mentor for the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. He received his Rabbinical degree under the auspices of Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, world-renowned authority on Jewish law and former chief justice of the Jerusalem Rabbinical High Court.

Rabbi Mendy serves as director of the Palm Beach Torah Institute, a project of The Chabad House, offering dynamic classes in Talmud, Kabbalah, Jewish ethics, and more. Together with his wife Shterny, he also directs the Chabad Young Jewish Professionals (CYP) of Palm Beach—a growing center of spirituality and social connection. With elegant Friday night dinners, meaningful holiday events, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, CYP fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging young Jews to connect, grow, and deepen their Jewish identity.

February 6, 2026

Yossi Glass

Yossi Glass is an internationally renowned Chazzan and Magician based in London. He loves to breathe new life into the classics and create an atmosphere that is both fresh and yet familiar.

Yossi has performed his incredible magic and singing all over the world, from New York to Mumbai and beyond, and looks forward to each performance as another opportunity to spread joy and meet new and wonderful people.

October 25, 2025

Batya Fredlender

My name is Batya Fredlender, and I am SO excited to be joining the Verdura Resort team this Pesach! I’m a proud mom of five from Toronto (originally Johannesburg), and one of my sons is currently serving in the Israeli army, a source of tremendous pride for me.

I’ve been teaching at Netivot in Toronto for over 20 years, and working with children truly brings me joy. Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of being part of three different Pesach programs, each one giving me the chance to create meaningful, fun, and memorable experiences for kids and families.

Outside the classroom, I love to work out, travel, read, and enjoy anything connected to art. I enjoy spending time with others, especially children, and always bring warmth, energy, and enthusiasm wherever I go.

I can’t wait to contribute to an unforgettable Pesach experience.
I’m so looking forward to spending Pesach in Italy with all of you!

 

December 5, 2025

Ariella Zeitlin

Ariella Zeitlin is an award-winning international violinist, vocalist, and storyteller whose performances bring world-class artistry and soul-deep inspiration to Jewish events around the globe. She has performed throughout Europe, the United States, South Africa, the UAE, and Israel, and her music has reached millions of listeners worldwide. Ariella also appeared on The Voice Israel, where her expressive performances captivated audiences across the country.

During Pesach, Ariella will present a musical journey inspired by the themes of freedom, renewal, and Jewish heritage. Her performances blend classical elegance with modern cinematic sound, creating an atmosphere that is both uplifting and deeply meaningful. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable musical experience—one that brings warmth, excellence, and heartfelt connection to the holiday.

November 19, 2025

Chaim Zippel

Chaim Zippel is a singer, songwriter, and composer who first gained national recognition after winning a televised young singers competition. His performances quickly resonated with wide audiences, and his music clips on TikTok and Instagram have since reached millions of viewers worldwide.

With a clear, touching voice and a natural stage presence, Chaim has a rare ability to connect with listeners across genres and languages. Whether performing Jewish melodies, Israeli songs, English repertoire, or Italian classics, his singing is marked by emotional depth and authenticity. Writing and composing his own music, Chaim represents a unique fusion of cultures and styles, and is a true, all-around performer.

February 10, 2026

Gary Imbimbo

Gary Imbimbo (Gabriele Imbimbo), born in Rome in 1986, is an Italian DJ with more than 17 years of experience. He has performed in many of the top clubs across Central and Northern Italy, carving out a prominent place in the scene with over 1,600 gigs in more than 450 venues. His international appearances include Lugano, Miami, Ibiza, Montecarlo, Chisinau, and many other destinations.

Known for his refined technique and deep musical knowledge, Gary’s sound spans electronic dance music, tech house, and progressive house. Professional and dedicated, he works tirelessly behind the decks of the most notable clubs in Rome and throughout Italy. He also collaborates with entertainment companies to provide music for corporate and private events.

Gary looks forward to bringing his signature energy, fun, and rhythm to our Pesach program.

November 19, 2025

Grand Master Roberto Mogranzini

GM Roberto Mogranzini is one of Italy’s most dynamic chess leaders — a Grandmaster, coach, and visionary event-architect who has reshaped how international chess is organized and experienced. As CEO of UniChess, he has built dozens of world-class tournaments, bringing global superstars, federations and institutions together while elevating Italy as a premier hub for elite chess.

A decorated athlete in his own right — multi-time Italian Team Champion at the highest level with his club, and honoured with the prestigious Stella d’Argento al Merito Sportivo by CONI in 2018 — Mogranzini blends competitive excellence with entrepreneurial drive. He has also served as the Head Coach (CT) of the Italian Women’s National Chess Team, reinforcing his leadership both on and off the board.

Known for his sharp strategic mind both in play and in business, Mogranzini designs innovative formats, leads major youth and senior championships, and develops groundbreaking initiatives that merge chess with education, robotics, AI and soft-skill training. A Grandmaster with a global network and a reputation for delivering flawless events, Roberto stands at the crossroads of sport, culture and innovation — a modern chess figure who turns ambitious ideas into reality.

November 27, 2025