Chasidic Rabbi Establishes Jewish Center in Jackson

JACKSON, WY — “Did you hear about the new rabbi in Jackson? He’s Chasidic and even wears the traditional beard and fedora.” This conversation was overheard by a local member of the Jewish faith from a clerk in the post office. The “rabbi” is a new buzz word going around town from people of all faiths.

Rabbi Zalman and Raizy Mendelsohn recently moved to Jackson, to establish Chabad Lubavitch of Wyoming; a center for Jewish culture, living and learning. “It’s so nice to finally have a full time rabbi and rebbetzin living in Teton County” said Bret Borshell from the Grand Realty Group. “And they are so accepting and non-judgmental, even though I’m not as religious as they are”.

“Welcome to Wyoming! I saw your article in the paper and I look forward to meeting you and your family”, Senator Mike Enzi wrote the rabbi. “Diana joins in sending our greetings and best wishes to you”.

The new Jewish center offers a cornucopia of services including; Torah classes, Shabbat meals, prayer services with practical explanations, Kosher food and awareness, Hebrew reading and writing, Jewish Holiday workshops, crisis counseling and weekly homemade Challah deliveries.

“We will also be offering a monthly women’s group which will highlight the spirituality inherent in the feminine soul”, Raizy Mendelsohn Co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center, said. “We will gather every month for a lecture followed by a fun crafts project which will be donated to orphanages in Israel.” Chabad Lubavitch

With over 2800 centers worldwide, spanning 47 States, Chabad Lubavitch is inspired by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory. “The Rebbe saw every Jew as a soul; not as separate groups of Orthodox, Conservative or Reform” explained Rabbi Zalman. “Labels are for shirts. At Cha-bad, the three categories of Jews are: a Jew, a Jew and another Jew. Every Jew in Wyoming is part of our family”!

This attitude of acceptance, regardless of background, gender, financial status or affiliation is the underlying message that the Jewish center incorporates into all of its programming. Fred Goffstein, owner of Wyoming Mountain Properties, said, “After meeting with Rabbi Zalman and Raizy, I get the feeling that every person in the world, from every race, color and creed, plays a vital role in making this world a better place.” Goffstein’s wife Laurie added, “These guys are simply enthusiastic about doing goodness and kindness. They are the sweetest people around.”

In the first week of August, Mendelsohn and his family will visit Laramie and Casper’s Jewish communities to discuss the Torah’s perspective on Jewish unity and community. “We are here to service every Jew throughout the State 24/7”, Mendelsohn reiterated.

Meanwhile, Sunday, July 27 at 2 P.M., the Chabad Jewish Center will present “An Afternoon of Delectable Desserts and Jewish Camaraderie – an Open Symposium to Meet Wyoming’s New Rabbi and His Family”. Open to the public, the event will take place in the Snow King Resort, Timberline Room One. It will feature Kosher desserts, a short video presentation and a Q&A – “Stump the Rabbi” session for both seekers and cynics.