The Jew Project: Rabbi Benny Zippel, Shliach at Chabad of Utah

The Jew Project, created by photographer Yisroel Teitelbaum aims to unify the Jewish people through documenting the lives of individuals. To read more on The Jew Project Click Here.

Rabbi Benny Zippel was born in Milan, Italy in 1966. The Zippels were community driven, and corresponded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM to coordinate bringing the legendary Rabbi & Mrs Garelik as Shluchim to Milan.

The Gareliks opened a Jewish School, which Benny Zippel attended. Upon his graduation, he continued his yeshiva studies in the United States. After marrying in 1990, Rabbi Zippel and his wife Sharonne were determined to establish a Chabad House at the behest of the Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM.

On March 1, 1992 (26 Adar) Rabbi Zippel received a blessing from The Rebbe for success in establishing Chabad of Utah, along with a dollar for charity. The next day, the Rebbe suffered a stroke, marking the end of the famous “Dollar Lines.”

In the past 34 years of nonstop dedication to their community, the Zippels have established a beloved synagogue, a mikvah, a kosher dining option, endless classes, activities and programs, for locals, and tourists. Rabbi Zippel also founded Project HEART specifically to help families of/and those attending Utah’s many Rehab Facilities.

The Zippels have children following in their parents lifestyle of Shlichus, and have expanded Chabad Branches across the state of Utah, while being headquartered in Salt Lake City.

They can be contacted via social media at @jewishutah.