Rabbi Aryeh and Chana Wells (née Laber) along with their son Yisroel will be establishing the first Chabad Center in Auburn, Alabama this summer.

Auburn, Alabama, known as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”, is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the state. Auburn is famous for being home to Auburn University — the highest academically ranked university and second largest university in Alabama, nationally recognized for its engineering, business, agriculture, nursing, and athletic programs.

Over the past few years, Rabbi Sholom Posner of Chabad on Wheels, Alabama traveled to Auburn as part of his shlichus to strengthen the remote Jewish communities around the state. As the Jewish student population of the university continued to grow, he realized that the students needed a permanent Jewish presence. The new shluchim have been appointed under the direction of Rabbi Yossi Posner, head shliach to Alabama.

Chabad of Auburn will be dedicated to supporting the Jewish students of Auburn University, as well as the communities of Auburn and Opelika. The Chabad house will offer Shabbos and holiday meals, Torah classes, community events, and programs throughout the year.

The Wells bring warmth, authenticity, and a passion for creating meaningful Jewish experiences. They look forward to being a steady presence of Jewish life in Auburn, building one on one relationships, and having a place for Jewish students to relax and connect with each other

Originally from Boynton Beach, Florida, Aryeh graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Philosophy. Although always connected to Judaism, it was through Chabad on Campus at Columbia that he first fell in love with the depth and beauty of Yiddishkeit. After spending several years studying in yeshiva in Jerusalem and Brooklyn, he is excited to share his love of Torah, Jewish mysticism, and music with the Auburn community.

Chana grew up in Rensselaer, New York, where her parents run a Chabad House and the Jewish girls’ retreat summer camp. A self-taught artist and educator, she has led painting workshops around the world and loves helping people connect through creativity, warmth, and meaningful conversations.

You can partner with the Wells family in launching Chabad of Auburn through their Charidy campaign or Zelle:
https://charidy.com/chabadofauburnalabama
Zelle: [email protected]