Fifty years after Chabad first arrived in Arizona, a new chapter is beginning in the state’s North Valley. This summer, Rabbi Mendel and Mussie Heller, together with their son Moshe, will be moving to Carefree to establish a new Chabad center serving the communities of Carefree and Cave Creek.

The new center comes as Jewish life continues to grow across Arizona. Since Rabbi Zalman and Tzipi Levertov arrived in Phoenix in 1976 as the state’s first shluchim, Chabad of Arizona has expanded to more than 25 locations, reaching communities throughout the state.

The idea for the new center was spearheaded by Rabbi Mendy and Leah Levertov of Chabad of North Phoenix, who saw the opportunity to bring a permanent Chabad presence to the growing Jewish population in the area.

The Hellers plan to build a welcoming center where every Jew can connect. Programming will include Torah classes, holiday programs, community events, and opportunities for residents to experience meaningful and uplifting Yiddishkeit close to home.

As preparations continue ahead of the summer launch, a fundraising campaign is underway to help establish the new center and support its first steps. Contribute at charidy.com/carefree.