Chabad House of Dharamsala

The Chabad House of Dharamsala was established in 1977 by Rabbi Dror Shaul and his wife Michal Shaul, following the guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. It serves the Jewish community in the region and Jewish travelers, primarily from Israel, who frequent the area as part of their spiritual and post-army journeys.

Location

Dharamsala, located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is a “regional council” encompassing several villages and towns. The Chabad House is situated near the popular tourist hubs of Dharamkot, Bagsu, and McLeod Ganj. Dharamkot, perched at an altitude of 2,100 meters, is a peaceful village, while Bagsu lies at the base of Dharamkot at around 1,800 meters. McLeod Ganj, known for its large Tibetan population and being the home of the Dalai Lama, is another key location nearby.

The Chabad House operates in two locations within this area: one in Dharamkot and the other in Bagsu. The two locations serve as spiritual centers for Jewish visitors to the region and are popular for their warm hospitality and vibrant Jewish life.

Mission and Activities

The Chabad House in Dharamsala offers a variety of services and activities aimed at enriching both the physical and spiritual lives of Jewish travelers. Rabbi Dror Shaul and Michal Shaul, along with a dedicated team, provide kosher meals, prayer services, and community events. Their mission is to help Jews connect with their Jewish identity, no matter how far they may have wandered.

A significant part of the Chabad House’s activities focuses on Jewish education, particularly in Kabbalah, Hasidism, and Jewish meditation. Rabbi Dror Shaul teaches classes on Kabbalistic psychology and other mystical elements of Jewish thought, offering participants deep insights into the spiritual aspects of Judaism. The center also provides personalized spiritual guidance, including diagnosis based on an individual’s name and birthday, in line with Kabbalistic traditions.

Rabbi Dror Shaul’s Journey

Rabbi Dror Shaul’s personal journey is central to the establishment and ethos of the Chabad House in Dharamsala. Raised in a secular family in Jerusalem, Shaul initially distanced himself from Judaism after completing his military service as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces. In search of spiritual meaning, he traveled to the Himalayas and became deeply involved in Tibetan Buddhism during his time at a Buddhist monastery in Dharamsala.

However, several pivotal moments during his spiritual quest, including encounters with his Jewish identity, led Shaul to reconnect with Judaism. After a near-death experience in the Himalayas, Shaul made a commitment to return to Jerusalem and explore Kabbalah and Hasidism. This journey eventually led him to become a Chabad emissary, and he returned to Dharamsala in 2000 as a Chabad rabbi, establishing a Jewish spiritual center.

Community Impact

The Chabad House of Dharamsala has become a spiritual hub for the thousands of Israeli travelers who visit the region each year, many of whom are drawn to the Far East for a spiritual break after their army service. The centers offer a place of familiarity and spiritual nourishment amid the chaos of travel, helping Jews rediscover their roots.

The presence of the Chabad House fosters a strong sense of community and identity, providing an important space for prayer, meditation, and Jewish learning. Many visitors appreciate the sense of “coming home” while far from Israel, and the teachings of Rabbi Shaul often serve as a pivotal moment of spiritual growth for them.

Expansion and Future Vision

In addition to its presence in Dharamsala, the Shauls also continue their activities through the Yehuda Eyala Center, a non-profit organization in Israel. This extension of their work aims to promote Jewish unity, strengthen Jewish identity, and encourage spiritual leadership. Through hospitality, special events, and Torah study programs, the Yehuda Eyala Center serves as a bridge between their work in India and their mission in Israel.

The Chabad House in Dharamsala is open year-round, welcoming Jews from all walks of life to experience its warmth and depth of spiritual learning. Rabbi Dror Shaul continues to inspire those who seek both spiritual answers and a connection to their Jewish heritage.