New Chabad Center Takes Root In Pisac, Peru

Nestled in the Andes’ Sacred Valley, Pisac, Peru, is a small, rural town known for its sweeping mountain views and quiet pace. It draws a steady stream of travelers — including many Israeli backpackers — seeking nature and personal exploration. Until recently, however, there was no established Jewish infrastructure.

Today, at the center of town, a Chabad House stands as a hub of Jewish life, housing a synagogue, event space, and a kosher restaurant — a place for Jewish travelers to call home.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Chaya Mushka Tzikashvili arrived just over a year ago under the guidance of the head Shluchim to Peru, Rabbi Ofer and Yael Kripor of Cusco. “Right before the holiday of Purim, I remember thinking that if we’d get 30 people to come to our event, it would be amazing,” Rabbi Tzikashvili recalled. Instead, 90 showed up. “From there, everything has just continued to grow.”

Their first Pesach Seder drew 350 people — a number that has since repeated itself this year. During the busy season, beginning around April and lasting through September, the Chabad House hosts between 70 and 130 people every Shabbat. “Tourists are constantly coming through, at all hours of the day,” Rabbi Tzikashvili said.

Alongside the transient crowd, a small local community has also begun to form. A handful of Jews living in the area are now engaging more with Judaism — with study sessions and events taking place at Chabad geared toward both locals and tourists.

Pisac’s association with various forms of spiritual seeking often leads travelers to the Chabad House. “Many people who come to Pisac are searching for something deeper in so many different directions,” Rabbi Tzikashvili said. “Chabad is here to bring that meaning.”