New Shluchim to Open Northernmost Chabad House in the World

This summer marks a historic moment as Rabbi Heshy and Chani Wolf, along with their daughter Mushka, establish the northernmost Chabad House in the world in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Appointed by Rabbi Yosef and Esther Greenberg, head Shliach to the state of Alaska, the Wolfs are joining efforts to expand Jewish outreach in this remote region alongside existing Chabad Jewish Centers in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley.

Since 1970, the Rebbe has regularly sent Merkos Shluchim (young traveling Rabbis) to Fairbanks to provide spiritual and religious services to the Jewish community. Over the years, Rabbi Sholom Ber Levitin of Seattle and later Rabbi Yosef Greenberg have appointed young Chabad traveling Rabbis to continue this mission. In 1976, Rabbi Moshe Feller of Minnesota informed the Rebbe that Rabbi Gershon Grossbaum would be traveling to Fairbanks for Purim to read the Megillah. The Rebbe responded, ” ונכון במאד מאד ” (“It is very, very important”).

Fairbanks, situated 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, is rated as the coldest city in America. It is known for its extreme weather and unique natural phenomena, including the Northern Lights and Denali National Park. Despite its remote location, the area hosts a significant population of around 1,000 Jews, in addition to Jewish tourists, military personnel stationed at Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base, and students from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Rabbi Heshy and Chani Wolf, originally from Los Angeles and Australia, respectively, are prepared to embrace Fairbanks’ harsh winters, reaching -40 degrees, and long summer days, where daylight can vary from just over 3 hours in winter to over 21 hours in summer. Their dedication is underscored by the warm reception they’ve already received from the local residents and the support they’ve received, notably from Mr. Jay Ramras, a pivotal figure in the Fairbanks Jewish community and a longtime friend of Rabbi Yosef Greenberg. Mr. Ramras, who was Bar Mitzvah’d by Chabad and has welcomed many traveling rabbis over the years, has generously provided them with a Chabad House on an acre of land south of Downtown Fairbanks. Mr. Ramras has encouraged Rabbi Heshy and Chani, “To create the foundations of the Fairbanks community that will last forever.”

The mission of the new Chabad Jewish Center in Fairbanks is to create a warm space that welcomes Jews of all affiliations, ages, and backgrounds. Through Shabbos meals, holiday events, educational classes, and youth programs, Rabbi Heshy and Chani Wolf aim to embody the Rebbe’s vision of outreach, ensuring every Jew in Fairbanks feels connected to their heritage.

Rabbi Yosef Greenberg was instructed by the Rebbe to, “Warm up Alaska”. He says, “With the arrival of Shluchim in Fairbanks, to establish the northernmost Chabad house in the
world, we see the ultimate fulfillment of the Rebbe’s motto of ‘Ufaratzta… you will spread out B”H to the west, to the east, and to the north…’ which no doubt will hasten the immediate coming of Moshiach.”

Please donate today to help Rabbi Heshy and Chani in bringing the light and warmth of Yidishkeit to the furthest corner of the world.
https://www.charidy.com/chabadfairbanks