Historic Milestone in Jūrmala: New Chabad House Opens with City Mayor in Attendance
Hundreds of residents, Jewish community leaders and visitors gathered on Jomas Street, Jūrmala’s central pedestrian promenade, for the inauguration of the city’s first permanent Chabad House in its central district.
“Welcome to the opening of Chabad House Jūrmala!” Announced Rabbi Mendy Zilbershtrom, Chabad emissary and Rabbi in Jūrmala, Latvia, as hundreds of participants assembled around the red ribbon. The ceremony marked the opening of a permanent Jewish home that will serve local residents and the thousands of Jewish tourists who visit the Latvian resort city each year.
“This Chabad House is not simply another center. It is a home—a home for every Jew, whether a resident, traveler or tourist—and everyone will be welcomed here with love,” Rabbi Zilbershtrom said.
Rabbi Mendy and Shoshi Zilbershtrom arrived in Jūrmala approximately four years ago as emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Since then, they have significantly expanded the Jewish activities that had previously begun in the city. Their work operates under the auspices of Chabad Riga, led by Chief Chabad Emissary to Latvia Rabbi Mordechai Glazman and Rabbi Shneur Kot.
After several years of holding programs in temporary locations, the community celebrated the establishment of a permanent Chabad House in the heart of the city. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, participants entered the new building, where a mezuzah was affixed and words of blessing were delivered.
The mayor of Jūrmala, who is not Jewish, spoke warmly about his personal connection to the Rebbe and expressed his appreciation for the opening of the Chabad House on Jomas Street, one of the city’s most prominent locations. “A Chassid should be joyful,” the mayor told the gathering. “Let us say l’chaim!”
Residents and guests from Israel, the United States, Europe and other countries raised glasses in celebration of the new center. The uplifting gathering marked the realization of a long-held dream and the beginning of a new chapter for Jewish life in Jūrmala.
Rabbi Zilbershtrom thanked Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Director of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, for his extensive assistance in establishing the Chabad House. He also expressed his gratitude to the Rohr family for their generous support and encouragement.
