A small flame, a long table, a wide-open door.
In 2014, Rabbi Tal and Chava Shaul moved to San Antonio with a question: could Israelis in Texas still feel at home on Friday night? A decade later, the answer is spelled out in challahs baked, candles lit, and guests around the table.
Why "Israeli Center"?
There are several wonderful Chabad houses in San Antonio — and we're proud to stand alongside them. We were founded to fill a specific gap: a home for the hundreds of Israelis and Hebrew-speaking Jews who live in, work in, or pass through South Texas, who want a Shabbat that sounds, smells, and tastes like home.
At the same time, we welcome American Jews, converts, travelers, students at UTSA and Trinity, and curious neighbors. If you've never set foot in a shul before — that's fine. We'll put a glass of wine in your hand and figure it out together.
Meet the Rabbi and Rebbetzin
Rabbi Tal & Chava Shaul
Rabbi Tal was born and raised in Israel; Chava was born in Los Angeles. Married since 2007, they have given their lives to a warm, welcoming Jewish home. Together with their five children, their home and center are open to every Jew — to learn, to celebrate, and to belong.
12+ years in San Antonio
52 Shabbat dinners a year
3,000+ visitors a year
$0 membership, ever
From one Friday table to a center
- 1
2007 — A home is founded
Tal, from Israel, and Chava, from Los Angeles, marry and set out to build a Jewish home with an open door.
- 2
2014 — San Antonio
Rabbi Tal begins reaching out to the Israelis of San Antonio through Chabad — one Friday night at a time.
- 3
2017 — Smicha
The community keeps growing, and Rabbi Tal receives his rabbinic ordination.
- 4
2019 — The Israeli Chabad Center
Rabbi Tal and Chava open the center for Israelis, students, families and everyone looking for a connection.
- 5
Today
A table every Friday, Chabad on Campus at UTSA, a kosher kitchen, and classes in Hebrew and English.
What we stand for
Unconditional warmth
No membership. No dress code. No test at the door. Whatever Judaism you bring is the right one.
Israel in our heart
We are proud, open Zionists. We celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut loudly, we say tehillim for our soldiers every week, and the Israeli flag and the American flag hang side by side above the door.
Serious Judaism, unseriously served
We take Torah, Chassidut, and halacha seriously. We do not take ourselves too seriously. Those are two different things.
I walked in expecting a service. I left with a rabbi, a rebbetzin, three new friends, and a container of Chava's rugelach. I'm still not sure what happened.
Be a partner
We don't charge anyone. We host everyone.
Shabbat dinners, classes and holidays stay open to everyone because people like you give. Become a monthly partner from $18 a month.