A Legacy of Faith
Since 1889
The remarkable history of Chabad-Lubavitch in Boston. A story spanning generations, neighborhoods and more than a century of Jewish life.
Explore Our History Visit Our HomepageA Century-Old Legacy
in the Heart of Boston
From the historic Jewish congregations of Boston's North End to today's flourishing Chabad community, our story is one of devotion, perseverance and the enduring spirit of Jewish life.
The Beginnings of Chabad in Boston
The Chasidim Anshei Libawitcz congregation was founded in Boston's North End around 1889, in a neighborhood that was then a vibrant center of Jewish life.
Originally located at 188 Hanover Street, the congregation moved to 180 Hanover Street in 1894 and subsequently to 11 Hanover Street in 1897.
An extraordinary surviving Hebrew volume contains a congregational stamp recording the year 1889, a tangible reminder of Chabad's earliest roots in the city.
From the North End to Beacon Hill
In the early twentieth century, the congregation moved to the West End, at Leverett and Barton Streets.
Those streets were later lost to Boston's urban renewal projects, which dramatically transformed the historic neighborhood.
The congregation eventually found a home at 8 Smith Court in Beacon Hill, where it remained active until 1972.
The building subsequently became associated with the African American Heritage Museum.
A Historic Visit of the Previous Rebbe
In 1930, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, visited Boston as part of his historic American journey.
His mission included strengthening Jewish communities and rallying assistance for Jews suffering under Soviet oppression.
During his stay, he addressed gatherings in Dorchester, Roxbury and Chelsea.
On June 24, 1930, the Rebbe met Massachusetts Governor Frank G. Allen and was presented with a medal of honor.
Congregations Across the City
Historical records reveal the presence of additional Lubavitch congregations in Boston's South End, West End and Dorchester.
One South End congregation was located at 2 Genessee Street. Another in Dorchester was established at 179 Glenway Street in 1923 and later relocated to Brighton in 1963.
The city's changing neighborhoods and urban renewal projects brought significant transformations to many historic synagogues.
In 1944, the New England Hebrew Academy was established under the leadership of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, advancing Jewish education in the region.
A New Era of Jewish 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, located in Kenmore Square.
In 1979, the present Chabad House building was purchased, becoming a home for Jewish students and the wider community.
The center continues to serve as the regional headquarters for Chabad in Greater Boston.
The Downtown Boston Chapter
In 2011, Rabbi Yosef and Shayndel Zaklos were appointed to lead Chabad of Downtown Boston, bringing Jewish life and community to the heart of the city.
Chabad of Downtown Boston proudly serves Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the Financial District, Mass General Hospital, the West End, North End, South End and Boston's waterfront.
Through Jewish learning, Shabbat celebrations, holiday programs and personal connection, the historic legacy continues to flourish.
Discover Chabad TodayJewish Heritage in Bay Village
The Bay Village neighborhood, home to Chabad of Downtown Boston today, was itself once home to historic Jewish congregations.
An 1895 map of Boston identifies a Jewish synagogue near present-day Church Street, a fascinating testament to the area's Jewish past.
Among the neighborhood's historic institutions was the Zion Holy Prophets of Israel Memorial Synagogue, associated with Alfred E. Marcus.
Explore the Historic MapHistorical References
This page draws upon archival synagogue records, historical documents and research published by Chabad of Downtown Boston.
Sources include Toldos Chabad B'Artzos Habris, page 78, Massachusetts synagogue records, and the 1895 Boston city atlas.
Original Historical Article | Synagogue Records | Historic Boston Atlas
Historical note: Research suggests that some records of the North End and West End Lubavitch congregations may refer to the same synagogue.