About an hour’s drive southeast of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the meticulously-designed and beautifully-maintained provincial capital, La Plata. Besides being the home to Buenos Aires Province’s government, it has been home to a Jewish community for more than 100 years—a community that today numbers some 2,000 Jews.
Some 25 years ago, Chabad La Plata was founded by Rabbi Tuvia and Ilana Serber, who recently handed the reins of the organization to Rabbi Aaron and Rivky Rajchman. The Rajchmans joined the community this past fall and launched a bevy of programs aimed at reaching each Jewish demographic in every corner of the “City of Diagonals” as La Plata is known.
Vanesa Stern is an architect specializing in neuroarchitecture, a field that finds much inspiration in La Plata’s grand buildings and avenues. She met the Rajchmans when she was looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of her son Martín.
“We had never participated in a Chabad event before,” Stern said. “From the very beginning, they welcomed us with immense warmth, complete dedication, and a deep love for what they do. They didn’t just guide us through the ceremonies — they turned each moment into something sacred. Every detail was filled with care, tenderness, and meaning.”
For La Plata’s Jewish community of professionals, families, young and old, Beit Chabad—the Chabad House—has become a place to connect.
“We’ve taken part in many beautiful events at Chabad: the Purim celebration, Sukkot, Shabbat dinners, and especially the women’s gatherings, where connection, spirituality, and inspiration are deeply felt,” Stern said. “Each event carries something alive, genuine, and full of soul.”
Gustavo Pakman is a real estate developer and has been a weekly attendee at Chabad for decades. As a teenager, Pakman received a dollar from the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the new Chabad house in La Plata. “I think that at that moment, the Rebbe knew the importance of maintaining the fire of Judaism in La Plata,” Pakman said. “There are many Jews in La Plata who know precious little about Judaism.”
Stern reflects on the global hostility to Jews and Israel. “Knowing that Aron and Rivky are here, in our city, leading with joy, purpose, and faith, gives me strength and infinite gratitude. The work they are doing is so subtle, patient, and transformative. They are weaving something eternal — building community, soul by soul.”
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