How I Lead as a Jewish Rabbi in Utah | An Interview with Rabbi Chaim Zippel

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Rabbi Chaim Zippel was born and raised in nearby Salt Lake City, and is the first-Utah born Chabad Rabbi. He attended Yeshivas in California and New York, and has extensive experience in outreach work and youth programming all over the country. Rabbi Chaim & Esty Zippel moved to Lehi, Utah in 2022 to launch Chabad of Utah County. Chabad of Utah County is dedicated to promoting and strengthening Jewish awareness, pride, and observance, by providing educational, cultural, and social services to all Jewish individuals regardless of background, philosophy or level of commitment. The fundamental principle of Chabad is unconditional love and acceptance of every Jew.

Links

JewishUtahCounty.com
Instagram: @jewishutahcounty
Facebook: @jewishutahcounty
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Highlights

Rabbi Chaim Zippel, co-director of the Chabad of Utah County, shares about the unique experience of being Jewish in a predominantly Latter-day Saint community. He shares insights into the mission of Chabad, which aims to create a welcoming environment for Jewish individuals moving to Utah County, providing them with a space to gather, learn, and grow in their faith. The conversation delves into the differences between Jewish and Latter-day Saint practices, particularly regarding community engagement and religious observance. Rabbi Chaim explains that while prayer services may not attract large crowds, community events and educational opportunities are highly valued. He recounts his family’s journey to Utah, highlighting the challenges and rewards of establishing a Jewish presence in the area.

The discussion also touches on the complexities of Jewish dietary laws and the importance of understanding the rationale behind religious practices, emphasizing that some commandments are followed simply because they are divinely ordained. Rabbi Chaim reflects on the supportive nature of the Latter-day Saint community, noting that Utah County is one of the least anti-Semitic places he has experienced. He shares anecdotes about community support during challenging times, illustrating the strong interfaith relationships that have developed.

03:35 – Rabbi Chaim’s Background and Role
04:07 – Overview of Chabad in Utah County
05:03 – Community Focus vs. Traditional Services
06:23 – Jewish Community Dynamics in Utah
07:27 – Rabbi Chaim’s Journey to Utah
09:03 – Family Background and Chabad Movement
10:40 – The Need for Jewish Presence in Utah County
12:02 – Rabbi’s Outreach to Jewish Youth
12:35 – Community Support and Anti-Semitism in Utah
21:05 – The Role of a Rabbi and Path to Leadership
23:02 – Conversion and Personal Journeys in Faith
30:03 – Understanding Jewish Laws and Practices
32:31 – Experiences and Testimonies in Faith
36:25 – Conversion Perspectives in Judaism
40:06 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Faith

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