Rabbi Mendel Raskin was born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco. His parents, Rabbi Yehuda Leib Raskin of blessed memory and Mrs Raizel Raskin, may she live and be well, were sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Morocco in 1960. As a young couple, their mission was to strengthen the Jewish presence and to create programs for the youth there. Growing up, Rabbi Mendel Raskin, guided and inspired by his parents' example, took upon himself many responsibilities in the programming of the children's summer & winter camps, educational outreach & academic seminaries. Mrs. Sarah Raskin was born and raised in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York just a few streets away from the Chabad Lubavitch Worldwide Headquarters, at 770 Eastern Pkwy. Her mother, Mrs. Esther Sternberg was appointed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to direct the Shabbat and Holiday candle-lighting campaign. Mrs. Raskin grew up taking part and being involved in this campaign. A teacher, leader and a woman of action are just some words that describe Mrs. Raskin.
Together, Rabbi and Mrs Raskin form a powerful team. Rabbi Raskin coming from Casablanca, Morocco, surrounded by Sephardic communities and traditions, and Mrs Sarah Raskin coming from Brooklyn, NY, center of Ashkenazic communities. This forms a great mix of knowledge and understanding of both communities and their traditions. They were sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to CSL in the year 1986 and founded Beth Chabad CSL.