Michael Rapaport & Elizabeth Pipko Launch 'Chabad Friends' to Unite and Strengthen the Jewish Community

ChabadFriends.org will officially launch with a Festive Purim Celebration on March 13th in NYC

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the alarming rise in global antisemitism and the urgent need to foster meaningful connections and understanding of the Jewish experience, Michael Rapaport, Elizabeth Pipko, Michael Sinensky, Teddy Raskin, and Moshe Levi are launching Chabad Friends—a new mission under 501(c)(3) Worldwide Friends Foundation—dedicated to creating meaningful entry points for Jewish engagement through unique experiences. Through immersive kosher dining experiences, accessible Torah learning, and dynamic community-building initiatives, Chabad Friends aims to strengthen Jewish identity and pride in increasingly trying times.

The launch will be celebrated with a Purim Farbrengen on Thursday, March 13th at the Chabad Chelsea Shul in NYC. The evening, hosted by the Chabad Friends Co-Founders along with reigning Miss Israel Noa Cochva, will feature a Megillah reading, and performances by Zusha, the Hasidic folk rock duo and DJ Levyticus.

"In a time when connection to our faith is more important than ever, Chabad Friends will stand as the bridge for anyone, regardless of level of observance, to find their way closer to their Jewish identity. Solidarity through Torah is the only way forward in the face of the challenges that Jews worldwide are now up against," said co-founder Elizabeth Pipko

Chabad Friends will launch with three core initiatives:

• Fins & Scales – A kosher omakase experience (from the world-class culinary team behind Sushi by Bou) to be located inside Chabad Houses. The first Fins & Scales, offering a communal setting for guests to connect while indulging in exquisite, top-tier cuisine, will launch at Chabad Loft in NYC this March. Offerings will include a seasonal selection of the finest quality fish, presented as 13 elegant courses including Blue Fin Toro, Japanese Hamachi with Chive, Salmon with Yuzu Pepper, and Kinmadai with lightly Charred Skin and Pickled Wasabi

Fins & Scales will operate on a 'give what you can' charitable model with a suggested donation of $150/person. Proceeds will be used to operate and expand Chabad Friends programming. Openings in Miami, Chicago. Los Angeles and Washington, DC will soon follow.

• Torah Time – A virtual Torah study platform, honoring the Bibas family (Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir of blessed memory), connecting Jews around the globe for what is hoped will be the biggest weekly Torah study sessions in the world.
• Keep It Kosher – Chabad Kitchen Grants – This initiative will fund kitchen upgrades where needed to help Chabad Houses remain vibrant community hubs for Shabbat dinners, challah bakes, and more - making it easier for anyone to start participating in the mitzvah of kosher cooking.

"Chabad Friends is fighting hate with pride and faith—bringing people together through food, tradition, and the unshakable strength of our community," said Co- Founder Michael Rapaport. "We're breaking down barriers and fostering connection—one class, one meal, and one mitzvah at a time."

For more information and Purim launch party tickets: ChabadFriends.org

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Traub
2016181605
[email protected]

SOURCE Chabad Friends