Our Story
In 2007, Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel moved from Florida to Jerusalem to start Chabad of Baka – Beit Levi to honor the memory of Rabbi Hendel’s brother, Levi z”l ben Yisrael Yosef HaKohen. The year before, Levi was killed in a car crash on his way to participate in a Chanukah program for IDF soldiers in Eilat. The loss of his dear brother propelled Rabbi Hendel and his family to spread Levi’s message of love and kindness in Jerusalem.
2008
Chabad of Baka is founded. The shabbat Minyan is launched in a classroom at Emunah College.
2009
The first international community Seder is hosted. The Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem is established.
2010
Women’s Circle is inaugurated.
2011
Daily Torah classes are established. The first annual Lag B’Omer Parade gathers hundreds of Jerusalem children.
2012 - 2013
Annual Chanukah enorah lightings at the First Station are initiated. Unity Shabbat meals are hosted on a regular basis.
2014-2016
Adult education includes renowned guest lecturers. Events expand, including the first Mega Challah Bake.
2015-2017
Shabbat Kids’ Program begins. 1st Annual Friendship Circle Sports Clinic with Tamir Goodman
2018
Chabad of Baka acquires a centrally located property on Beit Lechem Street. Mini Camp for children is initiated.
2019
With building permits in place, the building campaign is launched, bringing us one step closer to fulfilling our dream of a home for every Jew in Jerusalem. Interactive Kids Club is established.
Dear Friends
When we moved to Jerusalem eleven years ago, it was a dream come true. We were inspired to be part of the holiness of this majestic city and to have the privilege to play a part in the rebuilding of our ancestral homeland, just like our forefather before us. Now, after years os cultivating the Chabad of Baka community we are blessed to be able to play an even more concrete role in the expansion of Jerusalem: building a permanent synagogue and center for Jewish life on a beautiful property we recently acquired in the heart of Jerusalem. We are passionate and excited about this unique opportunity.
But we can’t do this alone. We need your help.
The vision for our new community center reaches far beyond a physical structure. It will provide a spiritual residence for everyone who needs one. It will be a place where everyone feels at home. A place where new Olim (immigrants) living far away from their family and birthplace find their spiritual family. A place where Jews of all backgrounds increase their knowledge and closeness to G-d and grow together. A place where children with their endless curiosity and capacity for learning, develop their Jewish identity and find joy in doing acts of kindness. A place where families with special needs, who are often left out of community life, encounter support and connection. A place everyone is proud to be a part of and one that belongs to all of us – Jerusalem residents, visitors and Jews around the world.
We are humbled be the outpouring of support thus far. The phrase “Next Year in Jerusalem” will have a greater significance because of our efforts. May this endeavor – both the building in Jerusalem and the generosity, love, and unity elicited by the process – serve as another brick in the edifice of the redeemed, beautiful world our people have been praying for and envisioning for centuries. We invite you to join us on this journey, and we look forward to celebrating life together in our new home.
With Blessings
Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel