KOL SAN MIGUEL
The Voice of Your Jewish Community
April 2026 — Passover Edition
JC3 / CHESMA
From the Publisher
From the Publisher
San Miguel de Allende is home to a vibrant and growing Jewish community made up of full-time residents, part-time homeowners, and visitors from around the world. Like many of you, I was drawn here by the city's extraordinary cultural life and the opportunity to be part of a creative and welcoming community.
Over the years, much of my work and volunteer efforts have centered around Jewish culture and community — from founding Jewish theatre companies and bringing Jewish entertainment to community audiences, to supporting programs for seniors and participating in initiatives addressing antisemitism. I also lived in Israel, an experience that deepened my connection to Jewish culture, history, and community life.
Since arriving in San Miguel, I've discovered a Jewish community that is active, diverse, and welcoming. At the same time, information about services, holidays, cultural events, and community activities is often scattered.
That is the idea behind KOL SAN MIGUEL.
Kol means "voice" in Hebrew. This publication is intended to be the voice of your Jewish community — a central place to find information, share events, highlight the people who make this community special, and help residents and visitors stay connected to Jewish life in San Miguel.
My hope is that KOL SAN MIGUEL will become a useful and welcoming resource for anyone interested in Jewish life in this remarkable city — whether you are here for a week, a season, or a lifetime.

Alan Jacobson
Publisher, KOL SAN MIGUEL
A Brief History of Jewish Life in San Miguel de Allende
While San Miguel de Allende is best known for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and international community, it is also home to a small but growing Jewish population that has gradually expanded over the past several decades. For many years, Jewish residents and visitors were relatively few, gathering informally in private homes for holiday celebrations, Shabbat dinners, and occasional prayer services, with a community that was international in character, including people from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel, and Europe. As the city grew as a destination for artists, retirees, and remote professionals, seasonal residents, part-time homeowners, and travelers helped form a more visible and connected Jewish community, leading over time to the creation of organizations and gathering spaces that now support Jewish life in the city.
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center
One of the most important developments was the establishment of the JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center, which serves as a hub for cultural programming, educational activities, egalitarian services, and community events. The center provides a welcoming space where people from many Jewish backgrounds can gather for learning, celebrations, and social connection.
Chabad of San Miguel de Allende
Another milestone came with the arrival of Chabad of San Miguel de Allende, founded by Rabbi Daniel and Raizel Huebner in 2018. As part of the global Chabad-Lubavitch network, Chabad provides traditional Jewish religious services, holiday celebrations, Torah study, and hospitality for both residents and Jewish travelers visiting the city.
Today, Jewish life in San Miguel reflects the diversity of the community itself: some people connect through cultural programming and learning, others through religious services and holiday observances, and many through the simple joy of gathering together for Shabbat meals and celebrations.
While still relatively small compared with larger Jewish centers around the world, the Jewish community of San Miguel de Allende continues to grow, shaped by the people who choose to make this unique city their home — whether for a season or a lifetime.
And as the community grows, so does the opportunity to strengthen connections, celebrate tradition, and ensure that Jewish life in San Miguel remains vibrant for years to come.
Community Leadership
People helping shape Jewish life in San Miguel
Rabbi Daniel & Raizel Huebner
Chabad of San Miguel de Allende
Rabbi Daniel and Raizel Huebner are the founders and directors of Chabad of San Miguel de Allende, part of the global Chabad-Lubavitch network of Jewish outreach centers.
Rabbi Huebner received his rabbinic ordination from Machon Smicha in Melbourne, Australia, where he trained across a wide range of rabbinic disciplines. Together with Raizel, they founded Chabad of San Miguel de Allende in 2018 and have created a center serving both residents and visitors.
They provide Jewish religious services, holiday programming, educational opportunities, and personal support at every stage of life. Their approach is rooted in warmth, accessibility, and a philosophy of welcoming every Jew regardless of background or level of observance.
Together, they have built not just an organization, but a home for Jewish life in San Miguel.
Kayla Siegel Fine
President, JC3 / CHESMA
Kayla Siegel Fine serves as President of the JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center and brings extensive experience in education and leadership to the role.
Born in New York City and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, she attended a progressive Jewish day school and later earned degrees in linguistics, applied linguistics, and educational leadership.
Her career has included work as a high school ESL teacher, school principal, principals' coach, and Director of Leadership for the New York City Department of Education. She also served as director of a Syrian Jewish PreK-12 International Baccalaureate school in Mexico City.
Within the San Miguel Jewish community, Kayla has served in several leadership roles at JC3, including Secretary, Membership Chair, and Education Chair, and has taught Hebrew and Jewish life classes for both children and adults.
Elliott Fine
Vice President, JC3 / CHESMA
Elliott Fine serves as Vice President of JC3 / CHESMA and plays an active role in the center's programming and community activities.
Originally from Greenwich Village in New York City, Elliott earned his bachelor's degree from Antioch College and spent many years working in financial information and technology services with companies including Telerate Systems and Dow Jones.
Later in his career he transitioned into education, becoming a kindergarten teacher in the New York City public school system.
He has long been active in Jewish communal life and previously served on the board of the Free Synagogue of Flushing in New York. He is also deeply involved in folk dance and music, having performed with the George Tomov Yugoslav Folk Dance Ensemble, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and has taught Israeli folk dancing in San Miguel.
Jewish Life in San Miguel
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center
The JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center serves as an important gathering place for Jewish cultural, educational, and spiritual life in San Miguel de Allende.
JC3 is not affiliated with any single movement of Judaism. Rather, it functions as a community cultural and gathering space where a wide range of Jewish programs and activities take place.
Programs and activities often include:
  • Egalitarian Shabbat services
  • Torah study and discussion groups
  • Cultural lectures and educational programs
  • Play readings and musical performances
  • Film screenings and literary events
  • Community holiday dinners and celebrations, including gatherings during holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and other Jewish festivals
The center reflects the international nature of San Miguel's Jewish community, welcoming participants from many Jewish backgrounds and traditions.
Weekly Programming
Shabbat Services — Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Torah Study — Saturdays at 1:30 PM
Location
Calle de las Moras 47 (at Cinco de Mayo), San Miguel de Allende
Phone: +52 415 185 9191
A Jewish Home in San Miguel
Chabad of SMA with Rabbi Daniel & Raizel Huebner
If you've spent any time in San Miguel de Allende, you've probably heard about Shabbat dinners that somehow feel both intimate and bustling, classes that turn into conversations, and a place where people seem to arrive as guests and leave as part of something more. That place is Chabad of San Miguel de Allende, led by Rabbi Daniel and Raizel Huebner.
Rabbi Huebner received his rabbinic ordination from Machon Smicha in Melbourne, Australia, where he trained across a wide range of rabbinic disciplines. But what stands out most isn't just his training — it's the way he brings it into real life. Conversations are thoughtful but approachable, and people feel comfortable asking questions they may have carried for years.
Together with Raizel, they've built something that feels less like an organization and more like a home. They are raising their seven children here in San Miguel, putting down deep roots and growing alongside the community. Their family life and their community work are intertwined. For many people, their first real connection to Jewish life in SMA begins around the Huebners' table.
Come As You Are
At its core, Chabad is built on a simple idea: every Jew is welcome, exactly as they are. There's no pressure to fit a mold or meet a standard. Some people come with a strong background, others with very little. Some are looking for learning, others for connection, and some just want a place to show up for a Friday night meal. All are welcomed.
The goal is not to change people. It's to make Jewish life in San Miguel more accessible, more comfortable, and more meaningful, both physically and spiritually.
A Living, Breathing Community
Jewish life here has a rhythm to it. There is a weekly minyan that gives people a steady place to show up and connect. Shabbat dinners are a central part of the experience. Some weeks it's a smaller group around the table, other weeks it grows into something much larger, with 70 or 80 people filling the space. Either way, the feeling is the same. Warm, open, and easy to step into.
Learning is another major part of what Chabad offers. The adult education classes are thoughtful and well-developed. Many of these classes even qualify for continuing education credits for professionals like doctors and lawyers.
Art and Soul
Raizel plays a big role in this. Her classes are known for being lively and engaging. Right now she is leading a series called Art and Soul, where participants explore different art forms, how they show up in Torah and Jewish tradition, and how those ideas can be applied in everyday life. It's thoughtful without being heavy, and people tend to walk away with something they can actually use.
Something for Everyone
Chabad of SMA reaches across the whole community.
The Hebrew School gives kids a chance to learn in a way that feels positive and engaging. It's not just about reading Hebrew — it's about building a sense of identity and pride.
There are also community events that bring out the unique interests and stories of the people here. Past speakers have included Gerry Teldon, a WWII pilot, and David Abel, coach of Israel's national pickleball team. These events are less about formal lectures and more about sharing, connecting, and learning from one another.
Supporting Daily Jewish Life
Beyond programs and events, Chabad fills a very practical role in the community. There are kosher food options, including catering and takeout, as well as access to essentials like challah, mezuzot, and yahrtzeit candles. For many people living far from larger Jewish centers, this makes a real difference. The holidays are marked with both celebration and education, making them approachable for people at all levels of familiarity.
A Culture of Kindness
If there is one thing people consistently say about Chabad of SMA, it's that there is a real sense of care. Acts of kindness happen naturally. Meals show up when someone needs them. People check in on each other. There is an awareness that everyone is going through something, and a willingness to help without making it a big deal. It's a kind of quiet, steady kindness that shapes the tone of the entire community. Not dramatic, but constant.
No Barriers
There are no membership fees or dues. People are not asked to join before they participate. Everyone is welcome to walk in, sit down, and be part of what's happening. Chabad of SMA is also entirely locally funded. There is no financial support coming from a central office. The community exists because people believe in it and choose to support it.
San Miguel is a place where people come from all over the world, often at different stages of life. Chabad offers something steady in the middle of that movement. A place to connect, to learn, to celebrate, and to feel at home. For some, it starts with a Shabbat dinner. For others, a class or a conversation. But for many, it becomes something lasting. A community.
Weekly Programming
Shabbat Morning Services — Every Saturday, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
Location
Independencia 7, San Miguel de Allende
Contact
Phone: +52 415-181 8092
Passover in San Miguel
Passover (Pesach) begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and concludes on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The holiday commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and is celebrated with Seders, symbolic foods, and traditions centered around freedom, memory, and renewal.
For those living in or visiting San Miguel de Allende, Passover can be observed in many ways — from attending a community Seder to hosting a small gathering at home. Both JC3 / CHESMA and Chabad of San Miguel de Allende are offering opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate together.
Community Seders in San Miguel
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center
Non-Traditional Seder
Wednesday, April 1 — 6:00 PM
Traditional Seder
Thursday, April 2 — 7:30 PM
Reservations are required. Call or email for tickets.
Email: ShalomSanMiguel@gmail.com
Phone: +52 415 185 9191
Website: shalomsanmiguel.org
Chabad of San Miguel de Allende
First Night Community Seder
Wednesday, April 1 — 6:30 PM
Second Night Community Seder
Thursday, April 2 — 8:00 PM
Cost (per person): $40 USD / $800 MXN
RSVP:
Email: Rabbi@ChabadSMA.com
Phone: +52 415-181 8092
Website: chabadisma.com
End of Passover
Moshiach Seuda (Final Day of Passover Celebration)
Thursday, April 9 – 6:00 PM
A traditional gathering marking the conclusion of Passover, often including food, song, and reflections on redemption.
Community Events
1
Monday, April 20 – 7:00 PM
*Quartet* – Staged Reading
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center, Las Moras 47
2
Tuesday, April 21 – 4:00 PM
*Quartet* – Staged Reading
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center, Las Moras 47
3
Friday, April 24 – 11:00 AM
Loaves of Love
Chabad of San Miguel de Allende, Independencia 7
4
Tuesday, April 28 – 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Art & Soul – Rosh Chodesh Society
Chabad of San Miguel de Allende, Independencia 7
Weekly & Ongoing Programs
Graceful Aging & Fall Prevention: Feldenkrais for Seniors
Weekly – Mondays, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center, Las Moras 47
Jewish Wisdom Seminar
Led by Dr. Daniel Lessner
Weekly – Thursdays, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Begins April 9 following Passover
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center, Las Moras 47
Weekly Services
JC3 / CHESMA Jewish Cultural & Community Center
Shabbat Services
Every Saturday – 10:00 AM
Torah Study
Every Saturday – 1:30 PM
Calle de las Moras 47
Phone: +52 415 185 9191
Website: shalomsanmiguel.org
Chabad of San Miguel de Allende
Shabbat Morning Services
Every Saturday – 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
Independencia 7
Phone: +52 415-181 8092
Website: chabadisma.com
Where to Buy Passover Foods
One of the questions often asked by visitors and newcomers is where to find foods needed for the Passover Seder. The answer can vary depending on whether someone keeps kosher for Passover or is simply looking to prepare a traditional Seder meal at home.
For Those Keeping Kosher for Passover
Strictly kosher-for-Passover foods are more limited in San Miguel and may require advance planning.
Community members sometimes obtain items such as:
  • Matzah
  • Kosher wine or grape juice
  • Packaged kosher-for-Passover foods
These may occasionally be available through Chabad of San Miguel de Allende, which can assist with access to kosher foods during the holiday season.
Chabad also offers kosher food, including catering and takeout, as well as access to essentials such as challah and other prepared items throughout the year.
Some residents also bring Passover products from the United States or Mexico City when planning ahead.
For Those Preparing a Traditional Seder
Many of the foods used in a Passover Seder can be easily sourced locally. Common ingredients such as:
  • Apples
  • Walnuts
  • Parsley
  • Horseradish
  • Eggs
  • Lettuce or other greens
  • Chicken or vegetables for soup
are widely available at local grocery stores and produce markets.
Two stores that often carry imported products and specialty foods include:
  • La Comer
  • City Market
These markets sometimes carry items such as matzah or international ingredients, particularly around major holidays.
Fresh produce for the Seder plate — including parsley, lettuce, apples, walnuts, and herbs — can also be found at local produce markets and neighborhood tiendas throughout San Miguel.
Recipe of the Month
Classic Passover Charoset
Charoset is one of the symbolic foods of the Passover Seder. Its sweet mixture of fruit, nuts, wine, and spices represents the mortar used by the Israelites when they were enslaved in Egypt. At the Seder, charoset is eaten together with bitter herbs to remind us of both the hardships of slavery and the sweetness of freedom.
There are many variations of charoset throughout the Jewish world. Ashkenazi versions typically use apples and walnuts, while Sephardic recipes may include dates, figs, or other fruits.
This simple recipe is easy to prepare with ingredients readily available in San Miguel de Allende.
Ingredients
  • 2 apples, peeled and finely chopped or grated
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2–3 tablespoons sweet red wine or grape juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional: raisins or finely chopped dates
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Directions
  1. Combine the apples and nuts in a bowl.
  1. Add the wine or grape juice and mix gently.
  1. Stir in cinnamon and optional ingredients.
  1. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors combine.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Charoset can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until the Seder.
A spoonful of charoset on matzah is one of the simplest and most beloved tastes of Passover.
Kol of the Month
Gerry Teldon
At 101 years old, Gerry Teldon represents a living bridge between generations — from World War II to today's global Jewish community.
Born on August 24, 1924, in the Bronx, New York City, Gerry later moved to Long Island, where he lived in Cedarhurst and Woodmere. He began working at just 17 years old and went on to spend 54 years with the same company, Anjelica Corporation, a uniform manufacturer. Over the course of his career, he rose from sweeping floors and getting coffee to becoming Vice President of International Marketing.
His work took him around the world, traveling to more than 50 countries and connecting with people and communities across cultures.
WWII Fighter Pilot
Earlier in life, Gerry served as a fighter pilot during World War II, flying a P-47 Thunderbolt with the 12th Air Force, 79th Fighter Group — an experience that placed him among the generation that shaped modern history.
A Family Rooted in Jewish Life
He is also part of a family deeply rooted in Jewish life. His son is Rabbi Tuvia Teldon, longtime director of Chabad of Long Island, and he has multiple grandchildren who are Chabad rabbis serving communities around the world.
A Life of Global Connection
After a long business career, Gerry continued to travel globally, visiting Jewish communities and Chabad centers in many different countries. Today, Gerry is part of the San Miguel de Allende community, where he continues to engage with Jewish life and those around him with the same spirit that has defined his life.
"Just the fact that you're there."
— Gerry Teldon, when asked what the greatest thing about turning 100 is
It's a reflection of a life lived with perspective, resilience, gratitude, and extraordinary reach — from the Bronx to battlefields, boardrooms, and communities around the world.
Gerry Teldon in San Miguel de Allende
Community Calendar
Community Contributions
KOL SAN MIGUEL is a community-driven publication.
We welcome submissions from members of the Jewish community in San Miguel de Allende, including:
  • Articles and personal stories
  • Upcoming events and programs
  • Cultural or educational initiatives
  • Community announcements
Submissions are welcome for consideration in future issues and may be edited for clarity and length. Due to space and editorial direction, inclusion in any given issue is not guaranteed.
To submit content or information: msfjt@aol.com
Community Resource
In addition to publishing KOL SAN MIGUEL, Alan Jacobson is an International Real Estate Advisor specializing in San Miguel de Allende and Palm Beach County, Florida.
Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, Alan is available as a resource.
Phone: 561-596-2191