Serving the communities of Issaquah, Sammamish, and Fall City.
Established in 2004, Chabad of the Central Cascades is dedicated to increasing the awareness, knowledge and observance of Judaism in Issaquah and surrounding communities. Its purpose is to reach out to all Jews, regardless of age, affiliation or level of observance, and bring them closer to Judaism. They recently purchased a permanent location, which houses a synagogue, Hebrew school, Jewish youth center, library and kosher kitchen.
Chabad of the Central Cascades gives people the opportunity to examine the foundation of their religion and to truly understand and experience the wellspring of Jewish life, tradition and culture. That wellspring is Torah — unadulterated, unchanged, pure and true. With real knowledge, individuals can make personal choices in an informed manner, based on truth — not interpretation or hearsay. Programs include adult education with “Lunch and Learn” opportunities for businesspeople.
On Shabbat, Jews from every walk of life gather at the home of Rabbi and Nechama Farkash for Shabbat meals. A full Shabbat program allows Jews to participate in the wonder, warmth and excitement of Shabbat and learn why and how it is the centerpiece of the Jewish week. Every Shabbat morning they hold weekly services, followed by a large kiddush with l’chaim.

Holiday Activities: The Yearly Cycle of Jewish Life
Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur: In addition to hosting all High Holiday services, Chabad brings the holidays to the sick and homebound who are unable to attend synagogue.
Classes: In preparation for the Days of Awe, Chabad offers classes to explain and give insight into the underlying meaning of the holidays and yom tov prayers.
Sukkot: Each year, dozens of guests participate in the festive holiday meals and hundreds enjoy the grand Sukkot party with lots of food, drink, music and Chassidic dancing. Chabad supplies esrogim and lulavim and introduces dozens of people to the beautiful mitzvah of taking the four kinds. The famous Chabad Sukkah Mobile brings Sukkot to those Jews who would otherwise not be able to participate.
Simchat Torah: The holiday is marked with intense joy as they express their deep love for and intimacy with the Torah. On Simchat Torah, with dancing and singing, fun and merriment, they renew their connection to the living, breathing Judaism of our ancestors.
Hanukkah: Public menorah lightings are an essential aspect of Hanukkah. Chabad erects a large eight-foot menorah and Hanukkah display in the center of downtown Issaquah and in the Issaquah Highlands.
Purim: On Purim, it is a mitzvah to distribute gifts of food to friends. Chabad distributes thousands of shalach manot Purim kits containing candy and other goodies, as well as informational guides explaining the inner meaning of the holiday.
Pesach: Rabbi Farkash holds a series of classes on the inner meaning of Pesach. Individual and group instruction is given on “How to Run Your Very Own Seder for the First Time,” complete with understanding the highlights of the Haggadah.
Lag B’omer: This joyous day marks the end of a plague that had afflicted the students of Rabbi Akiva and it is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Akiva’s prized disciple, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Chabad’s annual Lag B’Omer picnic attracts many children to the Pine Lake Community Park, with moon bouncers and ball pounds for the kids.
Shavuot: In recognition of the giving of the Torah on Shavuot, all Jews attend synagogue for the reading of the Ten Commandments. Because the children were promised to Hashem as the perpetual guarantors of the Torah, a special effort is made to have children attend.