Iceland Taking the Next Step Now

Up until last year, Reykjavik, Iceland was the only major capital in Europe that never had a permanent rabbi. No Shul, no Mikvah and no Jewish school. Shluchim rabbi Avi and Mushky Feldman made history by filling the long-awaited spot last year right before Shavuos.

The first documented Jew living in Iceland was a Polish Jew, who settled on the volcanic island as a trader in the early 1600s. A few years later, some other Jewish families made their way up too. Some held prominent positions in Icelandic trade and import. Some have left a mark on the history of Iceland.

From the eleventh century, Icelanders have called the Jews Gyðingar, a derivative of Guð (G-d). The Gyðinga Saga, the Saga of the Jews, was written in the thirteenth century. It is a translation of the Book of Maccabees and fragments from the writings of Flavius Josephus.

While the Nazis invaded Denmark in 1944, Iceland, under Danish rule, feared the next step. They took advantage of the chaos and declared independence from the Danes. To disinterest the Nazis of Iceland, they offered to deport Jewish people. Tragically, some were deported. Others hid and many changed their names to hide their identity.

At the end of the century, Jewish people started gathering socially, then for holidays. When Merkos Shlichus bochurim started visiting Iceland, they enhanced the activities and visited families. The Icelandic Jewish population slowly realized their need for a rabbi, a community and a shul.

Mike Levin, who arrived in Iceland in the 1980’s felt that this dream will one day come true. He hand-crafted an Aron Kodesh for the future shul of Reykjavik. Nily Benezra sewed a Paroches.

One year ago, the Aron Kodesh, as well as hundreds of Jewish people living in Iceland, made their way home!

Since moving to Reykjavik one year ago, the Feldmans have started a wide array of programs and events for all ages. Locals and tourists enjoyed Shabbosim, holiday programs, Shul, kids programs, Torah classes and lots more.

“After an amazing first year we know the tremendous impact that we can have on the thousands who we will come in contact with this year,” Rabbi Feldman told COLlive. “The excitement and participation has been tremendous so far!”

Now beginning their second year, Chabad of Iceland is taking the next step and expanding their activities, expanding their space and creating new opportunities for locals and tourists alike.

Help Chabad of Iceland raise $45,000 USD in the next 30 hours.

Donate to their campaign at IcelandNextStep.com.

Learn more about Chabad of Iceland at JewishIceland.com