About Chabad of NE Rural Arizona
Serving Rim Country, the White Mountains, and Gila, Navajo & Apache Counties
Rabbi Yaakov and Tiferes Cahnman with their children and the Mobile Jewish Center
“I thought I was the only Jew up here.”
That’s what Suzanne Miles of Show Low said—after two years of believing she was the only Jewish soul in the entire White Mountains region.
She wasn’t. And neither are you.
Across the ponderosa pines of Rim Country, the cool lakes of the White Mountains, and the wide expanses of Gila, Navajo, and Apache Counties, Jewish souls are scattered like stars. Some are retirees. Some are ranchers. Some haven’t set foot in a synagogue in fifty years. All of them are family—and Chabad of NE Rural Arizona exists so that not a single one is ever forgotten.
Our Mission
We are Arizona’s first permanent roving Chabad center, dedicated to bringing the warmth and joy of Torah-true Judaism to every Jew in the rural northeast—with active programming in Payson, Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, and the towns and homesteads in between.
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s teaching that every Jewish soul is infinitely precious, we believe no Jew should ever be left behind—no matter how many miles of highway stand between them and the nearest minyan.
Why “Roving”?
In NE rural Arizona, houses sit on twenty- to fifty-acre lots. The drive between two Jewish families can take an hour. The nearest established Jewish community can be 200 miles away.
We don’t wait for you to come to us. We come to you. We drive the back roads in our Mobile Jewish Center. We pack a portable kosher kitchen into the van. We bring matzah, mezuzahs, and Shabbat to your doorstep.
“You can see the horizon in all four directions out here. It’s a very humbling experience. You can feel G‑d’s presence.”
— Rabbi Yaakov Cahnman
Meet the Cahnmans
Rabbi Yaakov and Tiferes Cahnman serve as founding directors of Chabad of NE Rural Arizona, together with their children. They were sent in 2024 under the guidance of Rabbi Zalman and Tziporah Levertov, who have led Chabad-Lubavitch of Arizona for nearly fifty years.
“We want to show every Jew that they’re loved—and no matter what they’ve gone through, or how far they might be, they have a beautiful soul. Neither physical nor spiritual distance can diminish the holiness of every single soul.”
— Tiferes CahnmanWhat We Do
Shabbat & Holiday Programs
Dinners, High Holidays, Chanukah, Purim, Passover Seders, and Lag BaOmer bonfires under the Arizona stars.
Home Visits
Tefillin, mezuzahs, Torah learning, or just a cup of coffee with a rabbi.
Torah Classes
Drawing from the joyful, soul-affirming Chassidic teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Rebbe.
Lifecycle Moments
Bar/bat mitzvah prep, brissim, baby namings, weddings, shiva, and yahrzeit support.
Judaica & Kosher Essentials
Mezuzahs, tefillin, Shabbat candles, shmurah matzah, and kosher food delivered across the region.
A Community Discovers Itself
In just a short time, we’ve built a community of more than 100 Jewish individuals and families across NE rural Arizona—many of whom believed they were entirely alone. We’ve hosted Purim parties and barbecues, delivered shmurah matzah for Passover, affixed mezuzahs across the region, and launched a weekly Torah column in the White Mountain newspaper.
“It’s been an absolute blessing. It’s really nice to start reconnecting.”
— Jeffrey Lesnick, Payson
Unconditional Love. No Judgment. No Fees.
We don’t ask where you come from or what you observe. We ask only how we can help. Whether you’re lifelong observant, a curious seeker, or someone who just discovered their Jewish heritage—you are welcome, wanted, and family here.
Be Part of This
Donate
Your support fuels every mile we drive and every mezuzah we deliver.
Tell Us About a Jew in Rural Arizona
A neighbor, relative, or friend. We’ll reach out with warmth and zero pressure.
Invite Us In
For a milestone, a Shabbat, a class, or simply a visit.
Reach Out
JewishRuralAZ.org • (928) 238-5770
Serving Rim Country, the White Mountains, and Gila, Navajo & Apache Counties
Because no Jew should ever feel alone.