At the foot of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by rainforest, hot springs, waterfalls, and a steady stream of travelers from around the world, La Fortuna has become one of Costa Rica’s best-known tourist destinations. For the many Jewish and Israeli visitors who pass through the area each year, however, there has never been a permanent Jewish address.

That is now changing, as Rabbi Shlomo Ben Ami and Chana Ben Ami, together with their children Mendy and Libi, set out on shlichus to open a new permanent Chabad House in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

The new Chabad House will serve the many Jewish travelers, Israeli visitors, businesspeople, and local Yidden who come through the region throughout the year. Until now, despite the steady flow of visitors, travelers in the area were left without a regular source for kosher food, Shabbos meals, Torah learning, or a Chabad center within close reach.

The Ben Ami family has already begun their work in La Fortuna, meeting travelers and building excitement among the many Yidden they have encountered. The new center will provide Shabbos meals, kosher food, practical assistance for travelers, a warm place to stop and refresh, a steady place for tefillin, shiurim in Chassidus, neshek distribution, and activities to prepare the area for the coming of Moshiach.

The new Chabad House joins the growing network of Chabad centers in Costa Rica under the leadership of head shliach Rabbi Hersch Spalter, who has led Chabad of Costa Rica for decades.