A Floating Home for Jewish Students in Paris

Nestled on the left bank of the River Seine, Paris’ 13th Arrondissement bustles with college campuses, high-rise apartment buildings, and riverside cafes. Throngs of students fill the streets on the way to and from classes in universities specializing in economics, mathematics, and business. 

More than ten years ago, Rabbi Mendy and Mushky Lachkar moved to the neighborhood to open a Chabad center. As they settled in, they quickly recognized that students formed one of the largest local Jewish demographics. Their tiny apartment would be inundated with students each Friday night for Shabbat dinner, with far more room in the heart than in the cramped quarters. 

So the Lachkars improvised. 

First they purchased a truck, outfitted it as a “Mitzvah Tank,” and parked it near campus, offering students the chance to put on Tefillin, receive Shabbat candles or a mezuzah, or enjoy a kosher bite to eat.

Then one Sukkot, they rented a boat for a couple of hours to build a Sukkah. The boat was one of the few ways to find a decent-sized space open to the sky—as is required by Jewish law for the Sukkah—and within easy walking distance of the district’s campuses. It was a hit. Dozens of students boarded the rented boat and celebrated the holiday.

“At that point, we realized that it would be a dream to have everything here,” Rabbi Mendy Lachkar told Lubavitch.com. 

Five years ago, that dream became a reality. The Lachkars purchased the 40-meter (131-foot) riverboat, and Boat Habad was born. The boat, which had begun its life as a sand-carrying barge, was converted to an event venue by its previous owners, and now became a floating Chabad on Campus center.

Every Monday night more than 100 students board the boat. Their evening begins with a kosher dinner, and continues with an hourlong Torah cruise, delving into Jewish studies as the boat cruises along the Seine. 

In the years since its creation, the boat has become a place to connect and grow for thousands of Jewish students. “I was worried about university life,” said Binyamin Dukan, a Jewish student at the Paris School of Business. “I knew that there could be concerns with exams on Shabbat and holidays; kosher food; Jewish identity. The fact that there’s a Chabad rabbi with a Mitzvah Tank bringing you kosher food, that there’s a place a five-minute walk away with a rabbi always available, is very reassuring.”

Besides for the Monday evening cruises, Boat Habad hosts a wide variety of events for students. There are lunch-and-learns for boys and for girls; game nights; Sunday morning brunches for young professionals; debate nights; Torah classes; a daily kosher meal plan; and of course Shabbat and holiday meals. 

“Every day, we can meet fellow Jewish students,” said Dukan. “There’s a silent study room on the boat, so I know I can always find an open place to work, study, and keep my Jewish identity on campus.”

Dukan says that the rabbi has been a real mentor to him. “Whenever I have questions or doubts in my professional or personal life I can come to him. Boat Habad is not just a place to come to for a kosher meal; it’s a place where any Jewish person can find advice and guidance.” 

Recently, the Lachkars celebrated the milestone tenth anniversary of their unique Chabad center, one which found novel ways to create space for Jewish connection and life. Alumni, students, supporters and friends packed the boat and saluted the work of a couple who put their heart and soul into every student.

“This year, the rabbi made my shidduch—he connected me and my now-wife,” said Dukan. “The rabbi and rebbetzin know me so well, and think about me to the point of helping me find my soul mate.”

“These are the mentors we are privileged to have.”