Today we are thrilled to cast a spotlight on Rabbi Yehuda Lorber, who founded the official Chabad of Niagara Falls USA in 2024. In just a short time, Rabbi Lorber has made tremendous strides in building awareness and respect for the Jewish community in Niagara Falls as well as establishing his Chabad as a place of comfortable and familiar respite for Jewish tourists looking to keep their observances or explore Jewish life in Western New York.

The Lorber family has lived in the Buffalo area since 2013, spending several years deeply involved with the Niagara Falls community before formally establishing Chabad there.

Rabbi Lorber was born in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. During his childhood, with the blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, his family made aliya and relocated to Israel. He received his rabbinical ordination in Israel after studying at prestigious yeshivot, including those in Kfar Chabad, Netanya, Tzfat, and back in the United States at Chabad’s central yeshivah, Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch – 770 – in Brooklyn.

After spending several years teaching Judaic studies in New York City, Rabbi Lorber moved to Buffalo to accept a teaching position at Yeshivah Mesivta Menachem of Amherst. He later joined Ohr Temimim School, where he continues to teach. His infectious optimism and warm personality drive his unwavering dedication to his students and the broader community. Rabbi Lorber also serves as a Chaplain in the region including for the Niagara Falls Police Department.

Rabbi Lorber’s wife, Yehudis Lorber (nee Munitz), a native of Pittsburgh, PA, moved with her family to Buffalo in 1998. She is a passionate educator, teaching at Ohr Temimim Jewish School in Buffalo. Yehudis plays an active role in the Jewish community, running numerous programs and contributing her creative talents to Chabad events. Known for her exquisite taste and exceptional baking skills, she adds a special touch to every event she plans.

At Ohr Temimim, Rabbi Lorber and his wife head the Tzivot Hashem Youth Club. Tzivot Hashem in Buffalo is an initiative dedicated to engaging Jewish children in meaningful Torah learning, mitzvot, and acts of kindness. Through exciting programs, hands-on activities, and a structured ranking system, it inspires young participants to grow in their Jewish identity and connection to Judaism. The program provides a nurturing environment for children to develop strong values while having fun and making a positive impact in their community.

One of the main Tzivot Hashem programs is the Chidon Sefer HaMitzvot Championship, it is an international competition, where Jewish children study and master all 613 mitzvot. The program is designed to deepen children’s understanding of the mitzvot and strengthen their connection to Torah in an engaging and competitive format. The Chidon fosters enthusiasm for mitzvah observance, encourages teamwork, and instills a sense of achievement in young students as they become ambassadors of Torah knowledge and Jewish values.

Chabad of Niagara Falls, thanks to Rabbi Lorber’s ability to build connections with others, has worked hard to establish relationships with New York State Parks, the City of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls School District. Most recently, he was the driving force behind a successful Sukkah in the heart of Niagara Falls State Park, which was visited by thousands over the holiday of Sukkot, and on this coming Monday at 5pm, he will host the annual Hanukkah public Menorah lighting at the State Park that all are invited to attend. Click here for more information.

The Falls Menorah will be on display during the duration of the Chanukah. Be sure to take a selfie at this unique Menorah and tag them on instagram @chabadniagarafallsusa #HanukkahNiagara 

You should also look out for the other beautiful public menorahs lighting up Niagara Falls! You’ll spot them at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing, Niagara Falls City Hall, the Welcome Center, the airport, and many other locations. As you drive by one of these glowing menorahs show support to the Jewish community by giving a quick, friendly honk — exactly the same number of times as the candles we lit that night! 

Rabbi Lorber is currently working on acquiring a permanent and suitable location for a new Jewish Center in Niagara Falls which will serve the local community as well as the thousands of tourists. Become a partner in this incredible endeavor and help them rebuild and renew Jewish life in the Falls – visit www.ChabadNiagaraFallsUSA.org or call (716) 703-8770.