Chabad Rabbi Shares Himalayan Life, Inspiring Israeli Travelers

Rabbi Dror Shaul, a Chabad emissary in Dharamsala, India, has described his unique life serving Israeli travelers in the Himalayas. Operating a Chabad House built with materials transported by donkeys due to the lack of road access, Rabbi Shaul and his family have been in Dharamsala for over 27 years.

Shaul's personal journey is remarkable; he grew up with no Jewish knowledge, traveled to India at 18, and spent nearly a year in a Tibetan monastery studying meditation before deciding to explore Judaism. After returning to Israel and delving into Kabbalah, he found the spiritual truth he sought within Torah. He then returned to Dharamsala with his wife and son to establish the Chabad center.

Dharamsala is a major stop for approximately 25,000 Israeli travelers annually. During the High Holidays, Rabbi Shaul witnessed many secular Israelis fasting in empty cafes, demonstrating a deep, albeit sometimes latent, connection to their heritage. For Sukkot, the Chabad Sukkah hosts numerous travelers, offering in-depth classes on Hasidism and Kabbalah, which Shaul notes often resonate deeply with those seeking meaning.

The Chabad House, known as "770" after the movement's headquarters, is self-sufficient, with Rabbi Shaul performing kosher slaughter and producing wine and baked goods. He shared a moving experience where his son taught a young backpacker, who had never encountered Jewish rituals, how to shake the Lulav and Etrog, an encounter that deeply touched the traveler.