Chabad Lubavitch of Utah – An Introduction

What is Chabad of Utah?

For over 25 years, Chabad Lubavitch of Utah has empowered people to transform the world, one good deed at a time. The organization is dedicated to the welfare of Jews and the wider communities in which they live. Its staff provides religious, educational, and humanitarian services for Utahns and visitors alike. Chabad of Utahis affiliated with Chabad-Lubavitch, the world’s largest Jewish outreach movement.

Why was Chabad of Utah founded?

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), known as “the Rebbe,” led Chabad to further Jewish identity globally. He strove to transform the world into a G‑dly abode where all people could discover meaning. The Rebbe mentored more than 4,500 emissary families to undertake this task. In 1992, the Rebbe established Chabad of Utah and appointed Rabbi Benny and Sharonne Zippel to lead it. In 2014, their son Rabbi Avremi and daughter-in-law Sheina joined the team to direct the youth department.

How does Chabad of Utah serve the community?

Chabad of Utah shares Judaism with kindness, warmth, and empathy. The organization welcomes Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations to live their heritage through:

  • Community Building: With a wealth of annual programming, Chabad brings Jewish holidays and culture to life in a genuine, unscripted way.
  • Education: Chabad's educational programs invite youth and adults to immerse in Jewish culture, Hebrew language, Torah study, and more.
  • Youth: From preschool through young adulthood, Chabad offers age-specific groups and programs to cultivate a bright future for Utah Jewry.
  • Life Events & Prayer: Chabad enriches life’s most meaningful occasions, performing circumcisions, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and more.
  • Visitor Services: Chabad offers a home to Jews from around the world, enabling thousands of annual Jewish visitors to find Kosher food and Shabbat accommodations.

What is Project HEART?

Jewish families worldwide send at-risk youth to Utah’s renowned wilderness therapy and residential treatment programs. In 1992, Rabbi Benny created Project HEART to serve these young adults and their families. Through weekly classes and spiritual guidance, Rabbi Benny helps participants rediscover purpose in life. Today, Project HEART serves more than 300 young adults monthly at no cost to treatment facilities or the parents of participants. The program has earned widespread support from rehabilitation professionals and has provided hope for thousands of Jewish families.

How will the 25th Anniversary Gala further Chabad’s service to Utah?

The Rebbe once spoke about a Torah Scroll, noting that if just one of the 304,805 letters is imperfect, the entire scroll is invalid. The same is true of our human community, said the Rebbe. We are each created with an inner gem, a Divine mandate to transform this world into a G‑dly abode. The 25th Anniversary Gala recommits Chabad of Utah to helping people find that gem within – one encounter, one good deed, and one changed life at a time.