Jewish Living Comes to Cancun

It’s not the first time that Chabad representatives are setting up home in the vacation villages of the world. But it’s always a curious juxtaposition, so Cancun’s Jewish community of 200 is embracing the new Chabad representatives to this island resort on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, with sunny delight.

"We're very excited," the president of Cancun's Jewish community, Samuel Rovero, said in a press release issued by Chabad. "We truly believe that it is better for the community to have a spiritual and religious authority."

Cancun’s local Jewish population is small—numbering only about 200, but the resort town sees thousands of Jewish vacationers annually.

Rabbi Mendel and Rachel Druk, who arrived three weeks ago with their baby girl, will address the needs of both. The young couple is exploring their new environment, hitting the malls to introduce themselves and invite people to their new home.

They’ve set up a website, www.jewishcancun.com where visitors and locals will learn about the programs and services, including those for the high holidays, that Chabad will offer.