Our History in Boston
Since 1889
From the historic streets of the North End to the heart of today's downtown Boston, discover a remarkable story of Jewish life, resilience, faith and community.
Explore Our History About UsDeep Roots. A Bright Future.
Chabad's history in Boston stretches back more than 135 years. From immigrant congregations and historic synagogues to educational institutions and vibrant community centers, each generation has helped strengthen Jewish life in the city.
A Journey Through Time
The people, places and milestones that shaped our story.
The Beginning: Boston's North End
The Chasidim Anshei Libawitcz (Chabad) congregation was founded in Boston's North End around 1889, at a time when the neighborhood was home to a thriving Jewish immigrant community.
The congregation was initially located at 188 Hanover Street. In 1894 it moved to 180 Hanover Street, and in 1897 to 11 Hanover Street.
A surviving Hebrew book bears a congregational stamp recording the founding year of 1889.
From the West End to Beacon Hill
During the early twentieth century, the congregation relocated to the West End, at Leverett and Barton Streets.
These streets later disappeared during Boston's extensive urban renewal projects.
The congregation eventually moved to 8 Smith Court on Beacon Hill, where it remained active until 1972. The historic building subsequently became associated with Boston's African American Heritage Museum.
A Historic Visit to Boston
In the Jewish month of Sivan, 1930, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, visited Boston.
His visit was part of a broader effort to strengthen Jewish communities and mobilize support for Jews suffering under Soviet oppression.
During his stay, the Rebbe addressed Jewish gatherings in Dorchester, Roxbury and Chelsea.
On June 24, 1930, he met Massachusetts Governor Frank G. Allen and was presented with a medal of honor.
Chabad Congregations Across Boston
Historical records also document Lubavitch congregations in the South End, West End and Dorchester.
A South End congregation was located at 2 Genessee Street, in an area later demolished during urban renewal.
Another congregation existed in the West End, while a Dorchester congregation established in 1923 at 179 Glenway Street eventually relocated to Brighton in 1963.
These communities helped preserve Jewish tradition through decades of neighborhood transformation.
Building the Future Through Education
Under the leadership of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, the New England Hebrew Academy was established in 1944.
This important development reflected Chabad's enduring commitment to Jewish education and the next generation.
A New Era of Chabad Outreach
In 1976, Rabbi Chaim and Nechama Prus arrived in Boston as emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
They established Chabad's first modern outreach center in Eastern Massachusetts, in Kenmore Square.
In 1979, the present Chabad House building was purchased, becoming a center for Jewish students, residents and visitors.
The center continues to serve as a regional headquarters for Chabad in Greater Boston.
A New Chapter in Downtown Boston
In 2011, Rabbi Yosef and Shayndel Zaklos were appointed to direct Chabad of Downtown Boston.
Their mission was to serve the growing Jewish population living, working, studying and visiting in the heart of Boston.
Today, Chabad of Downtown Boston brings Jewish life, learning, celebration and community to Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the Financial District, the South End, North End, West End, Mass General Hospital and Boston's waterfront.
Discover Chabad TodayJewish History in Bay Village
The Bay Village neighborhood, where Chabad of Downtown Boston is based today, has its own remarkable Jewish history.
Historical records indicate that at least two synagogues once stood in the neighborhood. One was the Zion Holy Prophets of Israel Memorial Synagogue, associated with Alfred E. Marcus and located near what is now 52 Church Street.
An 1895 Boston city map identifies a Jewish synagogue in this area, providing a fascinating connection between the neighborhood's Jewish past and present.
View Historic Boston MapRooted in History.
Inspired by the Future.
From the first Chabad congregation in 1889 to today's vibrant Jewish community, our story continues to unfold.
We invite you to become part of the next chapter of Jewish life in downtown Boston.
Get to Know Us Chabad in the MediaHistorical Sources and Notes
This history is based on archival materials, synagogue records and historical research.
- Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston: Massachusetts Synagogue Records
- Toldos Chabad B'Artzos Habris, page 78.
- 1895 Boston Historical Atlas
- Original Chabad of Downtown Boston Historical Article
Note: Some early dates vary among historical sources. Research also suggests that certain North End and West End congregation records may refer to the same synagogue.