Mountain valley in Himalayas in Nepal (Photo: Envato)
When planning a vacation, the first thing many Jewish travelers do is check if there is a Chabad house there. In many places, Chabad is the only option for kosher food and a minyan. Chabad representatives serve both the local Jewish community and tourists, turning places with no kosher food or Jewish amenities into havens for Jewish, especially Orthodox, travelers. They provide Shabbat meals, services, and a welcoming environment where there was previously nothing. Surprisingly, even in the most remote destinations, you can often find a Chabad house. Popular vacation spots that once lacked kosher options now have thriving Chabad centers.
A Chabad House is a Jewish community center in the truest sense of the term — the nerve center of all the educational and outreach activities of the Chabad-Lubavitch shliach, serving the needs of the entire Jewish community, from the youngsters to the elderly, and everyone in between. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, constantly called for the expansion of activities in existing Chabad Houses and the establishment of new Chabad Houses wherever Jews live: in the cities, in the suburbs, on college campuses throughout the nation, and around the world. And his representatives responded, and are still responding, to the Rebbe’s call.
Chabad-Lubavitch, known for its global outreach, often establishes centers in locations far from major Jewish population centers. In 1965, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Chabad Rebbe, sent Rabbi Shlomo Cunin to Los Angeles to lay the groundwork for Chabad's West Coast activities. The first Chabad House for university students opened in March 1969 at the University of California, Los Angeles.
As of 2023, there are over 3,500 Chabad institutions worldwide, including 5,000 centers in 100 countries, dedicated to serving Jewish communities and fostering Jewish life.
Here’s a list of some of the most remote or unexpected places where Chabad has established a presence:
Kathmandu, Nepal
Chabad of Kathmandu is famous for hosting one of the world’s largest Passover Seders, attracting hundreds of Israeli backpackers and Jewish travelers exploring the Himalayas. The Jewish community in Kathmandu consists mainly of transient backpackers, travelers, and a few expatriates. The area offers rich cultural experiences, including visits to historic temples, exploring the bustling markets of Thamel, and trekking the surrounding Himalayan mountains. The Chabad house provides a warm Jewish environment with kosher meals, Shabbat services, and holiday celebrations. Chabad of Kathmandu
Kauai (Photo: Envato)
Kauai, Hawaii
Not so remote or off the beaten path but makes the list as the westernmost Chabad house in the world, serving the Jewish community and visitors on the island of Kauai. Known as the "Garden Isle," Kauai is famous for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and outdoor activities such as hiking the Nā Pali Coast, visiting Waimea Canyon, and enjoying the beautiful Hanalei Bay. The Chabad house provides a Jewish presence on the island, offering Shabbat meals, holiday services, and a welcoming environment for Jewish residents and tourists. Chabad Kauai Jewish Center
Fairbanks, Alaska - Coming Soon
This Chabad house is not open yet but is in the works, and we will keep you posted on when it opens. Chabad of Fairbanks, set to be the northernmost Chabad center in the United States, will cater to the small Jewish population in Alaska and Jewish tourists. Fairbanks is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including viewing the Northern Lights, visiting the Arctic Circle, and exploring the extensive wildlife. The Chabad house will offer Shabbat services, holiday programs, and a sense of community in the remote Alaskan wilderness. This will be the third Chabad house in Alaska; there are currently Chabad houses in Anchorage and Palmer, which are a five to six-hour drive from Fairbanks.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Chabad of Steamboat Springs serves the Jewish community and visitors in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Colorado. Steamboat Springs is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking, mountain biking, and hot springs in summer. The Chabad house provides a Jewish home away from home with Shabbat meals, holiday services, and Torah classes, making it a hub for Jewish life in this scenic mountain town. Chabad of Steamboat Springs
Saint Johns, Newfoundland (Photo: Envato)
Newfoundland, Canada
Chabad of Newfoundland serves the Jewish population in the easternmost province of Canada. The Jewish community in Newfoundland is small but vibrant, with Chabad offering religious services, kosher food, and educational programs. Newfoundland is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, historic sites like Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and opportunities to see icebergs and puffins. The Chabad house is a beacon of Jewish life in this remote part of Canada. Chabad of Newfoundland
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Chabad of Cambodia offers a Jewish community center, kosher food, and religious services in a country where the Jewish population is small but growing among expatriates and travelers. The Chabad house features a kosher restaurant, kosher shop, and kosher catering services, delivering throughout the country. Phnom Penh, the capital city, is rich in history and culture, with attractions like the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and bustling local markets. The Chabad house provides a spiritual and communal haven for Jews in Cambodia. Chabad of Cambodia
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Chabad of Reykjavik is one of the northernmost Chabad centers globally, serving the small Jewish community in Iceland and Jewish tourists. Reykjavik offers unique experiences such as geothermal spas, volcanic landscapes, and the famous Golden Circle tour. The Chabad house offers Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, and a welcoming environment for Jews in this remote and beautiful country. Chabad Iceland
Lusaka, Zambia
Chabad of Zambia serves the Jewish community in Lusaka, providing religious services, education, and kosher food. Zambia is known for its natural wonders, including Victoria Falls, safaris in national parks like South Luangwa, and rich cultural heritage. The Chabad house is a central point for Jewish life in Zambia, offering a place for praying, learning, and community gatherings. It also provides Shabbat meals, has an Airbnb in the Chabad Jewish Center, and features a Makolet selling kosher products, ensuring that both locals and visitors have access to essential Jewish services and a supportive community in the heart of Africa. Chabad of Zambia
Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania (Photo: Envato)
Launceston, Tasmania
Chabad of Tasmania serves the Jewish community and visitors in Launceston, with a dedicated local family in Hobart who host activities from time to time. Tasmania is famous for its stunning wilderness, including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and unique wildlife. The Chabad house provides Jewish services, community events, and kosher meals, creating a Jewish presence in this remote and beautiful island. Chabad of Tasmania
Bariloche, Argentina
Chabad of Bariloche is the southernmost Chabad house in the world, located in Patagonia. Bariloche is known for its beautiful lakes, mountains, and ski resorts. The area offers outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The Chabad house provides a warm Jewish environment with Shabbat services, kosher meals, and holiday celebrations for the local community and visitors. Chabad Bariloche
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Chabad of Bocas del Toro serves Jewish travelers in this beautiful yet remote part of Panama. While Panama is a popular destination, Bocas del Toro offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Bocas del Toro is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Chabad house provides Shabbat meals, a kosher restaurant, holiday services, and a welcoming environment to tourists in this tropical haven. Chabad Bocas del Toro
Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina (Photo: Envato)
Conclusion
Most Orthodox Jews who have vacationed have relied on Chabad for meals, minyanim, and a welcoming Jewish environment. These centers provide invaluable services for both the local community and tourists. As Chabad houses are independently funded, they rely on donations, so please be generous if you use their services. The shluchim families work tirelessly for both the community and tourists.
For tips and basic etiquette when visiting a Chabad house, remember to plan ahead. Check the local Chabad’s website or other resources before contacting the shliach, especially for questions about Shabbat, kosher food, and mikvah availability. This ensures you have the necessary information without overwhelming the shluchim. For more detailed advice, check out this open letter by a Chabad shlucha to frum travelers.
Chabad houses around the world go above and beyond to support local Jewish life and travelers. Treat them with respect and appreciation, and always plan and coordinate in advance to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.