Her Life & Legacy
Shaina Chaya (Shandy) Lieberman was born in 1954 to Rabbi Sholom Ber and Rochel Leah Pewzner, devoted Chabad Chassidim whose lives were dedicated to Torah, education and the preservation of Jewish heritage.
After graduating from Beth Rivkah in Crown Heights, she married Rabbi Aron Lieberman in December of 1975. Together they began their life's mission, first establishing a Chabad center in La Jolla, California, before relocating to Inverrary, Florida in 1981.
For more than three decades Rebbetzin Shandy became the heart of the Chabad community in Fort Lauderdale. She inspired women through classes, prepared countless brides for marriage, comforted families during difficult moments, and celebrated every milestone together with her community.
Alongside raising her own beautiful family, she served as a beloved Judaic Studies teacher at the Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy, where generations of students remember her warmth, patience and genuine care.
Recognizing the need for quality Jewish early childhood education, she courageously left the security of her teaching position to establish the Emery & Mimi Green Chabad Preschool. Every child mattered. Every family mattered. Every smile mattered.
She was instrumental in building the community mikvah, faithfully welcoming women each evening with humility, kindness and complete devotion. Though her impact was immeasurable, she always viewed her countless acts of kindness as simply "what needed to be done."
In Her Own Words
Memorial — Shloshim Event
The Shloshim memorial gathering brought together family, friends, students and community members to reflect on the extraordinary life of Rebbetzin Shandy. Stories of kindness, selflessness, laughter and unwavering faith painted the portrait of a woman whose influence continues to guide our community each day.
Bubby Shandy's Children's Library
Rebbetzin Shandy dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the children of the Emery & Mimi Green Chabad Preschool. Nothing brought her greater joy than sitting together with a child and opening the pages of a Jewish storybook.
To honor her third Yartzeit, her granddaughters Sara Chanowitz and Aydel Lebovics established Bubby Shandy's Children's Library, ensuring that her passion for Jewish education continues to inspire future generations.
The library welcomes children from infancy through young adulthood and offers a growing collection of meaningful Jewish books, story time programs, lending opportunities and educational experiences for the entire family.
Every book placed into the hands of a child carries forward Rebbetzin Shandy's lifelong belief that nurturing young Jewish souls begins with love, warmth and beautiful stories.
Shandy's Playground
One of the most visible reminders of Rebbetzin Shandy's love for children is Shandy's Playground, a joyful space where laughter, friendship and imagination flourish every day.
Designed to give children a safe and welcoming environment to explore, play and learn together, the playground reflects the very values that Rebbetzin Shandy lived by—creating an atmosphere where every child feels cherished, included and encouraged.
Since its dedication, thousands of preschool students, families and visitors have enjoyed this beautiful playground. More than simply a play area, it stands as a living tribute to a woman whose greatest happiness came from watching children grow with confidence, happiness and Jewish pride.
Parents, teachers and alumni continue to see the playground as a lasting symbol of her remarkable vision. Every joyful laugh heard throughout its grounds echoes the compassion, warmth and unconditional love that defined Rebbetzin Shandy's extraordinary life.
Playground Galleries
The galleries below beautifully capture the construction, dedication and countless joyful moments experienced by generations of children enjoying Shandy's Playground.
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