“Imagine faith transforming a landscape.” That’s exactly what happened here in Kfar Chabad. This village stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Chabad-Lubavitch Jews. Kfar Chabad is located about 5 miles south of Tel Aviv. Its story began in 1949. The sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, established it.
Many Chabad Jews fled Russia in 1946. They were living in displaced persons camps. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak instructed them to migrate to the Holy Land. With his support, they settled in an abandoned Arab town. It was called Safiriyya or Tzafrir in Hebrew. They worked the land. They raised funds to build their community.
The first settlers called their new home “alteh dorf”. That is Yiddish for “old village.” About 50 families were allocated land. They built homes and kept farm animals. They established communal and religious institutions. A small synagogue was also built.
Tragedy struck in 1956. Terrorists stormed the synagogue. They began shooting. Five students and their instructor were killed. Many more were injured. The early settlers were heartbroken and afraid. Some considered leaving Kfar Chabad.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson stepped in. He was the son-in-law and successor of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak. He sent ten rabbinic students from New York. They spent four weeks with the residents. They encouraged and consoled them. This mission was a success. Not one person left Kfar Chabad. One year after the attack, a new vocational school was completed.
Kfar Chabad continued to grow. The Rebbe ensured that it flourished. Today, Kfar Chabad’s population is over 7,000. It is renowned for its educational institutions. Its matzah bakery and etrog grove are also famous. The annual “hakafah shniya” celebration attracts thousands. Many prominent Israeli officials have visited.
Kfar Chabad is now the capital of Chabad in Israel. It grew from a small group of Russian Jews. They came with nothing but their faith. Kfar Chabad also features a replica of “770”. This is the world headquarters of Chabad in Brooklyn, New York. It serves as a synagogue. It even has the same number of bricks as the original. This replica symbolizes the deep connection between Kfar Chabad and the global Chabad community.
Kfar Chabad stands as a symbol of resilience. It demonstrates faith and community. Its transformation from an abandoned village. It became a thriving center of Chabad life. Kfar Chabad offers a powerful lesson. Even in the face of adversity, faith can build a future.