New Shluchim to Latchi, Cyprus

Rabbi Mendy and Esti Lipsker are setting off on shlichus to Latchi, Cyprus, a coastal town known for its influx of Jewish and Israeli tourists — and now, its first permanent Chabad presence.

The announcement was made on the eve of Yud Alef Nissan, the birthday of the Rebbe, a date deeply symbolic to Chassidim and shluchim worldwide. The couple chose this day to publicly commit to their mission: to establish a new Chabad House from the ground up and bring light, learning, and Yiddishkeit to the region.

R’ Mendy, known for producing large-scale events, concerts, and campaigns in Israel, has long been a dynamic presence in the Beitar Chabad community. His decision to transition from high-energy productions to full-time shlichus came, as he puts it, “from something that was always inside me.”

“I grew up in a home of shlichus,” he explains. “It’s been in me all along. The opportunity simply hadn’t materialized — until now.”

The couple’s new destination, Latchi, was brought to their attention by Rabbi Aryeh Ze’ev Raskin, head shliach to Cyprus. Despite the town’s popularity among Jewish travelers and growing number of Israeli expats, Latchi had not yet established a permanent Chabad presence.

“Tens of thousands of Jewish and Israeli tourists pass through Latchi every year. Families are even moving there. They’re craving a place to daven, learn, keep kosher, celebrate Shabbos — and now, b’ezras Hashem, they’ll have one,” says Lipsker.

His wife, Esti, is leaving behind a successful position in a respected municipal institution.

“Her sacrifice is no less than mine,” R’ Mendy shares. “She’s giving up her career, her comforts, her friends — all for this shared mission.”

Known for his signature energy and creativity, many wonder whether R’ Mendy will continue producing events.

“Production is in my blood,” he admits. “But now it’s being channeled into the ultimate production — building a Chabad House from scratch.”

“The Rebbe always encouraged using our G-d-given talents for holiness. I’m grateful for the experience I’ve gained producing complex events. Now, I’ll be using that same skillset for something even greater.

“We’re dreaming big,” says R’ Mendy. “A spacious shul, a hall for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals, a full-time kosher kitchen, year-round programs, and a welcoming center for every Jew who walks through our door.”