Meet New Member: Chabad of Truckee

Truckee has always been a place where people come to build community. Many seek the mountains and the outdoor lifestyle, then discover that what makes Truckee special is the people who call it home. Our community grows even stronger with the arrival of one of the area's newest nonprofit organizations, Chabad of Truckee, led by Rabbi Chaim and Bassi Kudan.

Founded in 2025, Chabad of Truckee was established with a simple but meaningful mission: to create a warm, welcoming Jewish home for residents, second homeowners, and the many visitors who spend time throughout the Truckee-Tahoe region. Recognizing the area's growing Jewish population and the thousands of Jewish travelers who visit the Sierra Nevada each year, Rabbi Chaim and Bassi saw an opportunity to bring connection, education, celebration, and community to a region that had never before had a full-time Chabad presence.

For Rabbi Chaim and Bassi, the move to Truckee wasn't simply about opening another community center. It was about answering a calling to build relationships and create opportunities for people to connect with their heritage in an authentic, welcoming environment. Together with their young son, Pinny, they have embraced the mountains as their new home while working to establish a vibrant center for Jewish life in the heart of Truckee.

Like Chabad centers around the world, Chabad of Truckee welcomes everyone regardless of background, affiliation, or level of Jewish observance. Their philosophy is simple: every Jewish person should have a place where they feel comfortable, valued, and connected.

Although still in its first year, Chabad of Truckee is already offering a wide variety of programs and services designed to serve both locals and visitors. Community members can participate in Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Torah learning, educational classes, youth programming, and seasonal events that bring families together. Visitors spending weekends or vacations in the mountains can also enjoy Shabbat hospitality and meaningful holiday experiences while away from home.

Beyond educational programming, Chabad also provides many important lifecycle and community services, including mezuzah assistance, kosher kitchen guidance, weddings, brit milah (circumcision), hospitality for travelers, and other resources that help support Jewish life throughout the region. As the organization continues to grow, Rabbi Chaim and Bassi hope to become a trusted resource for anyone seeking Jewish connection in Truckee and the surrounding Tahoe communities.

One of the qualities that makes Chabad unique is its focus on creating experiences that are joyful, inclusive, and accessible. Rather than requiring membership, programs are open to everyone who wishes to participate. Whether someone has attended synagogue their entire life or is exploring Judaism for the first time, the doors are open.

That welcoming spirit extends beyond the Jewish community. Chabad centers often become gathering places that encourage cultural understanding, volunteerism, and community partnerships. In a town like Truckee, where residents value connection and neighborliness, Chabad's emphasis on hospitality fits naturally into the local culture.

The organization's first major public celebration is already generating excitement throughout the region.

On Sunday, August 2, Chabad of Truckee will host the inaugural L'Chaim! Truckee-Tahoe Jewish Festival at Truckee River Regional Park, inviting the entire community to experience an afternoon celebrating Jewish culture, food, music, and family fun. The free festival is designed not only for Jewish families but for anyone interested in learning more about Jewish traditions while enjoying a welcoming community event.

Festival guests can look forward to live entertainment, authentic New York-style deli favorites, kosher wine tasting, family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and opportunities to connect with neighbors from across the Truckee-Tahoe region. More than just a festival, L'Chaim! is intended to become an annual celebration of community, friendship, and cultural diversity in the Sierra.

The name "L'Chaim" means "To Life!", a traditional Jewish toast celebrating gratitude, joy, and togetherness. It perfectly reflects the vision Rabbi Chaim and Bassi have for the future of Jewish life in Truckee: vibrant, welcoming, and full of meaningful connections.

Events like L'Chaim! also showcase how nonprofit organizations can strengthen the broader community. By creating spaces where people of different backgrounds can gather, learn from one another, and celebrate together, Chabad contributes to the inclusive spirit that has long defined Truckee.

As a new Chamber member, Chabad of Truckee is eager to build relationships with local businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and residents. Community partnerships are central to its mission, and Rabbi Chaim and Bassi look forward to collaborating with others who share a commitment to making Truckee an even more welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

The Truckee-Tahoe region has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. As the community continues to evolve, organizations like Chabad help ensure that residents have opportunities not only to recreate together, but also to celebrate traditions, build lasting friendships, and support one another through every stage of life.

To learn more about upcoming programs, Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, educational opportunities, or community services, visit Chabad of Truckee.

And don't miss the inaugural L'Chaim! Truckee-Tahoe Jewish Festival on Sunday, August 2, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Truckee River Regional Park. Learn more about the festival, activities, and schedule at L'Chaim! Truckee-Tahoe Jewish Festival.

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