Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco was ground zero of the counterculture movement in the 1960’s when the neighborhood threw its arms wide open, embracing the hippies and flower children of the Summer of Love.
But today, the gentrifying neighborhood is home to a thriving young community. This month, Rabbi Nosson and Chaya Potash will open a Chabad Center in Cole Valley to serve the Jewish population of Haight-Ashbury and neighboring Inner Sunset, and Twin Peaks.
“Even today, there are some lingering anti-establishment sentiments in Haight-Ashbury,” says Rabbi Potash, 25. “But the hippie movement was brought on by a spiritual thirst. We’re looking forward to providing a Jewish perspective and creating a vibrant Jewish community here. “
The four neighborhoods are a study in diversity. Cole Valley’s residents include many families with kids, while Inner Sunset has a higher concentration of seniors. In Twin Peaks, residents are mostly middle aged, single Jewish residents. With trendy stores in a vibrant, modern town center that still retains an endearing bohemian ambience of its past, Haight-Ashbury today is a hub for a thriving younger demographic.
Despite the fact that there are 10,000 Jewish people living in these areas – representing ten percent of the total population – there are no synagogues or Jewish education and scarce Jewish activity within the community. The Potashes expect to spend much of their first year here meeting people and learning about what is most lacking here so they can tailor their programs to suit the needs of the Jewish community.
Having always been a part of her parents outreach work in the Richmond District of San Francisco, Chaya, 22, says that assuming the role of a Chabad emissary “was a natural decision.”
“I have been stuffing envelopes and helping out in my parent’s office since I was young. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to move back to my home city to further Jewish life.”
The couple’s long term goals include building a Jewish children’s library—a first for San Francisco—establishing a community of young adults in Haight-Ashbury and launching a visitation program for seniors.
“Caring for every Jew is most important to us,” says Nosson. “We want to serve every Jew in a way that’s most meaningful to him or her.”
To donate securely online go to www.chabadcv.info
Chayale and Nosson im so excited when you guys will come i cant wait to see you i missed you chayale so much!!!!
OY, I’m Kvelling! All the best to you. The area residents are in for a real treat from you 2 devoted and inspiring leaders and hospitably kind individuals. Mazel Tov. May the center flourish for many generations. (Ashley’s mom)
You will be the best shliach!!! Good Luck!
wow guyds –
bout time 🙂 much hatzlach and cant wait to see you there!
luv a sib
and good luck!
Keep it up Nosson & Chayal! Were so proud of u!
Yankel & Shternie
wishing all the best
Chayale and Nosson you will be amazing. Iyh
Miss you loads and loads.
All the way from England
hatzlacha
a friend!
i saw that bridge in REAL!!!!!!
From a SF native who started out a Buddhist in the Haight Ashbury at age 10 and who later, hung out with with Shlomo at the house of love and prayer and somehow managed to end up a soldier of the Rebbe in Israel!.Keep your eyes open and on the Rebbe!!
We love you!!!
hatzlacha and good luck!!!!! (you’ll need it!!!!!!!!)
SHE’S MY SISTER!!!!!!!!!!! AND I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!! 😛 🙂
to # 3 – the best designer around – chayale herself made it
CHAYALE AND NOSSON!!!! 😀 😀 😀 😀
Cant wait for you to move down to san fransisco…!!!!!!!
Nosson, did you raise any money yet? 🙂
chayale ur website is awesome!!!!!’
MUCH HATZLACHA!!!!
loveee one of ur fishy sibs 😀 😀 😀
from Chana Shloush
from Chaim and Clara Rapoport uk
Small correction,.though.Rabbi Lipsker had a library since the sixties on Balboa and 14th ave.
paintball gun. vehamvin yovin! hatzlocho in your shlichus! and enjoy the weather!!
as a college student at berkeley many years ago we spent many a night at the Fillmore West for memorable musical concerts then visited friends in the “haight” as it was called back then- the smile of contentment and praise on my face is a mile wide as I heard that the Rebbe’s shluchim have made their presence in this once crazy neighborhood. Who in a thouand years (the Rebbe’s shluchim of couse) would have ever thought that this neighborhood could have metamorphisized into a potential haven for yiddishcyte. On the other hand, it was a neighborhood of many misguided… Read more »
you guys will be the best shluchim ever!!!!
Wishing you all the hatzlocha you need and deserve.
Very nice! Wish u lots of luck!!!
Donate Online at http://www.chabadcv.org
Really nice website!!!!
Who designed it?
you should have lots of hatzlocho.
Yossi
Congratulations, and may you have much hatzlacha!