Charleston’s Jewish Community Flourishes Again
Rabbi Yossi Refson, who heads Chabad of Charleston and the Low Country, says the city reminds him in some ways of his country of birth, England.
“I say this all the time, there is a very distinct British influence here,” said the native of Leeds, who has been living in South Carolina for three years. “The streets are named after British people, and the sense of hospitality is also similar.”
Refson, like many others, credits the high quality of life for attracting Jewish newcomers, especially retirees.
“It has the art, the culture, the weather, the shopping, the food and the history, the tremendous history,” he said. “Everywhere you walk, you have the old and the new.”
Refson said he would soon open a new Chabad center on a three-acre location in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
It will join a list of Jewish institutions already servicing local Jews, including a school and community center.
Proud aunt
Yossi and sari – we are so proud of you and the work you are doing in s.c. May you continue to go mechayil el chayil in doing the rebbe’s rotzon.
former menorah school pupil...
keep up the good work!! Remember the Shredded Wheat prizes your mother used to give out after learning Alpeh Bais…those were the days!
Far Shvitzed
“It has the art, the culture, the weather….”
Huh? The weather? Probably the most humid in the country (or 2nd to New Orleans.)
Beautiful city, dreadful sunny humidity.