About

Our Story

Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho was established in 2004, to serve the Jewish community of Boise. Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho is a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of affiliation or prior level of knowledge. Its sole purpose is to create a warm, welcoming environment to explore and experience Judaism's warm and relevant spiritual inspirations in a non-judgmental and inviting atmosphere.

Since its inception, Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho strives to meet the needs of the community with religious services, and social events, as well as an array of programming including: Hebrew School, Adult Education, Social Services, Chabad on Campus, Synagogue Services, Jewish Women's Circle, and much more.

In 2025, Chabad Young Professionals of Boise was launched, joining a worldwide movement with a local flavor. We are thrilled to serve the ever-growing young Jewish professionals in the Boise area. If you are Jewish and in your 20s or 30s - this is your home!

Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho is a local, independent and financially self-supporting entity. Every dollar that we receive comes from the generosity of people like you. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and your donations are fully tax-deductible.

IS CYP BOISE FOR ME? Chabad Young Professionals is for Jewish men and women between the ages of 22-39. If you fit this description, regardless of your level of commitment or affiliation - CYP Boise is for you!

Meet the Lifshitz Crew

Rabbi Mendel and Esther Lifshitz moved to Boise and founded Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho in 2004.

Born in Brooklyn, Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He studied at rabbinic academies in Los Angeles, Paris, Johannesburg, Jerusalem & New York.

He graduated from the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, New Jersey in 1998.

As a rabbinic student, he developed a passion for Jewish outreach. Rabbi Lifshitz has been on assignment to over 30 countries including Belize, Congo, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominica, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Honduras, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Panama, Russia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda and Ukraine. Among other duties, his missions have included organizing Pesach Seders, delivering lectures on Judaism, international relations, and terror trauma counseling.

His infectious optimism and joyful personality drives his commitment and dedication to his community.

Mrs. Esther Lifshitz was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She loved drama and the outdoors as a child, but always dreamed of helping her fellow Jews.

She left South Africa at sixteen to study in Chicago.

Esther graduated from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey and the Teachers Seminary in Melbourne, Australia with a special emphasis in early childhood development.

She served as a preschool and elementary school teacher for five years in Prague and New York. Esther has been on outreach assignments throughout the USA and in Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, and Ukraine.

She also has exquisite taste which shines through all the events at Chabad she plans.

They have twelve amazing children ka"h.

Connect

We invite you to join us for our Shabbat and Holiday services, meals, classes, and community social events. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our programs, don’t hesitate to reach out or follow us on our website and social media for updates, event information, and daily inspiration.

We are located at 1803 S Maple Grove Road , Boise, Boise, ID, 83709.

Click here for our contact information and to send us a message.

About Chabad Young Professionals

Chabad Young International builds communities of young Jews - post-college, pre-suburbs - and connects them globally. Our holistic blend of networking and professional opportunities nourishes the Jewish body. Our non-judgmental warmth embraces the Jewish soul. And, our personal relevance nurtures the Jewish spirit. We are highly localized, while simultaneously in-sync with the global community. With bottom-up initiative and top-down inspiration, we lead while inspiring others to do the same.