Newest Storefront in Shuk Machne Yehuda: Chabad

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Mendy Kurant

The latest addition to the vibrant colors, aromatic flavors and cultural stops in the popular Shuk Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem is a storefront that will serve as a permanent Chabad center.

It is run by Rabbi Tzvi Ruderman and his wife Nechama, who moved on Shlichus to the Machne Yehuda – Davidka area 7 years ago. Once an authentic Israeli marketplace, Machne Yehuda has since become home to trendy restaurants and stores.

Rabbi Ruderman has been using a stand in a prime location to engage with ordinary Israelis as well as many tourists to connect with their Judaism by putting on Tefillin, hearing a quick Dvar Torah or asking the rabbi a question.

Rabbi Ruderman estimated that 100,000 people pass through the area each Friday alone. With the help of bochurim, Rabbi Ruderman happily engages with the passersby with a smile and a kind word.

But the time has come for more, Rabbi Ruderman tells COLlive.com.

“The marketplace today is like Israel’s Manhattan from the point of view of how many people are passing by there on a daily basis,” he says. “The small difference is that here there’s an astounding amount of Jewish people.”

Rabbi Ruderman said that the new storefront, located right near the stand, will be able to serve visitors during rainy days and allow for more in depth conversations and learning.

The grand opening of the new center took place this week with the participation of local merchants, tourists, members of the city council and supporters of the activities.