Hundreds gathered on Jomas Street in Jūrmala, Latvia, for the inauguration of the resort city’s first permanent Chabad House, establishing a community center for residents and Jewish tourists under the leadership of local emissaries Rabbi Mendy and Shoshi Zilbershtrom.
A Permanent Jewish Home on Jūrmala’s Central Promenade
Hundreds of residents, Jewish community leaders, and visitors assembled on Jomas Street, the central pedestrian promenade in the Latvian resort city of Jūrmala, for the inauguration of the city’s first permanent Chabad House in its central district. The ceremony marked the transition from temporary locations to a permanent facility meant to serve both local families and the thousands of Jewish tourists visiting the destination each year.
He and his wife, Shoshi Zilbershtrom, arrived in the region approximately four years ago as shluchim of the Rebbe, gradually expanding activities that previously operated out of temporary spaces.
“This Chabad House is not simply another center. It is a home—a home for every Jew, whether a resident, traveler or tourist—and everyone will be welcomed here with love.”
Leadership, Sponsorship, and Network Support
The expansion of Jewish infrastructure in Jūrmala operates under the broader auspices of Chabad Riga, which is led by Chief Chabad Emissary to Latvia Rabbi Mordechai Glazman and Rabbi Shneur Kot. During the inauguration, Rabbi Zilbershtrom acknowledged key figures instrumental in realizing the project, thanking Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky—Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Director of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries—for his extensive assistance. He also expressed gratitude to the Rohr family for their generous support and encouragement.
Following the ribbon-cutting, participants entered the new building where a mezuzah was affixed and formal blessings were delivered. Guests and residents from Israel, the United States, Europe, and other countries raised glasses in celebration of the new center, marking what organizers described as the realization of a long-held dream for the local community.
Mayoral Remarks and Festive Celebrations
The mayor of Jūrmala, who is not Jewish, attended the event and spoke warmly about his personal connection to the Rebbe, expressing his appreciation for the establishment of the center on one of the city’s most prominent thoroughfares.
The celebration highlights the expanding religious and cultural footprint in the Baltic resort city, which draws international travelers seasonally. The opening solidifies a permanent base for community programming, holiday events, and visitor outreach that had previously relied on temporary venues since the emissaries’ arrival four years ago.
