Interview with Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, Chief Rabbi of Jamaica


Q: Can you introduce yourself and your religious affiliation?
A: My name is Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, and I serve as the Chabad rabbi and Chief Rabbi of Jamaica. I am an Orthodox Jew, and together with my wife Mushkee, we lead Chabad of Jamaica—welcoming Jews of all backgrounds and creating a home for them here, whether for a Shabbat meal, a mitzvah, or a life-changing moment. Beyond the Jewish community, we’re also committed to spreading acts of goodness and kindness to all people through our Acts of Routine Kindness (ARK) Center and Chabad House, offering help, hope, and human dignity to those in need.

Q: How long have you been practicing this religion?
A: I was born into a Chassidic Jewish family and have practiced Judaism my entire life. Judaism is not just my religion—it’s my way of life, my mission, and my joy.

Q: What is the origin of your religion?
A: Judaism began over 3,300 years ago, when G‑d revealed Himself to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai and gave us the Torah. That moment, known as Matan Torah, was the birth of the Jewish nation and continues to define our identity and purpose in the world.

Q: ⁠Who are some key historical figures in your religion?
A: Our faith was shaped by many great figures—Avraham Avinu (Abraham), who taught belief in one G‑d; Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses), who led us out of Egypt and brought us the Torah; and countless others including King David, Queen Esther, and the sages of the Talmud. In recent generations, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, transformed Jewish life across the globe. He taught us that loving G‑d, loving Torah, and loving every Jew are inseparable. If one is missing, the others cannot stand.

Q: How has your religion spread over time and what are some major milestones?
A: Judaism began in the Land of Israel but, due to exile and persecution, spread to every corner of the globe. Major milestones include the giving of the Torah at Sinai, the building and destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, the Jewish Diaspora, survival of centuries of persecution, and the miraculous rebirth of Jewish life after the Holocaust. In our generation, the spread of Chabad Houses around the world has made Jewish life accessible anywhere—even here in Jamaica.

Q: How does your religious community engage with modern society?
A: Judaism believes in sanctifying the physical world. That means using modern tools to bring goodness and G‑dliness into everyday life. We use technology to teach Torah, we meet people where they are, and we strive to be relevant while remaining anchored in eternal truth. As Pirkei Avot teaches: “In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” Chabad aims to be present—spiritually and practically—wherever there is need.

Q: What are the core beliefs and sacred texts of your religion?
A: At our core, we believe in one G‑d who is good and involved in every part of our lives. We believe the Torah is G‑d’s gift to us—our blueprint for life. Our sacred texts include the Torah, the Talmud, and the rich teachings of Chassidus. As the Torah says, “Lo bashamayim hi”—“It is not in Heaven” (Deuteronomy 30:12)—meaning the Torah is meant to be lived here on Earth.

Q: ⁠Can you describe some main religious practices and how they shape your daily life?
A: Judaism guides our every step. From the moment we wake up with Modeh Ani—a short prayer thanking G‑d for life—we aim to live with purpose. We keep kosher, pray three times a day, give charity, light Shabbat candles, and set aside time to study Torah. As it says in the Shema: “You shall teach them to your children… and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road…” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Judaism is not a Sunday religion—it’s daily, constant, and beautiful.

Q: What are some important religious festivals and how do you celebrate them?  
A: Every Jewish holiday carries deep meaning.

  • Passover celebrates freedom with a Seder and symbolic foods.
  • Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah—we stay up learning all night and read the Ten Commandments.
  • Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are our High Holy Days—a time of renewal and soul-searching.
  • Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, each has its own traditions of joy, light, and meaning.

We celebrate all of them in Jamaica—often with the sea behind us and Torah in front of us.

Q: How has your religion influenced your personal life, community, and broader society or Jamaica/Caribbean at large?
A: A: Judaism has taught me to see every person as created in the image of G‑d. It has given me the mission to be a light. Here in Jamaica, we’ve built a vibrant Jewish home. We help with education, kosher food, spiritual support—and we work with government leaders, local churches, and individuals from all backgrounds. As the prophet Isaiah said, “I will make you a light unto the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). That’s what we try to be.

Q: What challenges does your religious community face and what is the future outlook for your religion?
A: In Jamaica, one major challenge is Jewish education. There are no Jewish schools here, so we are working to build one. It’s not easy, but “Chanoch lana’ar al pi darko”—“Educate the child according to his way” (Proverbs 22:6)—reminds us of its importance. Another challenge is kosher food—there is no local infrastructure, so we became the source of kosher food and meals for everyone. Despite this, our outlook is hopeful. We see young people inspired, mitzvahs being done, and a future being built.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your faith and how do you engage with other religious backgrounds?
A: The most rewarding part of my faith is watching someone reconnect—with their heritage, with G‑d, with their soul. That could be a visitor lighting Shabbat candles for the first time, or someone putting up a mezuzah in their home. Judaism is about lighting up the world one mitzvah at a time. And we work with people of all faiths—helping those in need, building bridges, and standing up for what’s right.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your religion?
A: Yes—Judaism teaches that we must love G‑d, love His Torah, and love His people. “Ahavat Hashem, Ahavat HaTorah, v’Ahavat Yisrael.” If one is missing, the others cannot stand. Chabad lives by this. We don’t judge where someone’s coming from—we just try to help them take one step forward. Because that’s how we bring Moshiach closer. That’s how we change the world.

Closing Message:


Our whole purpose on this earth is to make the world a Dira Betachtonim—a dwelling place for G‑d. That’s the mission of every Jew: to illuminate the world through the 613 commandments G‑d gave us in the Torah. For non-Jews, G‑d gave the Seven Noahide Laws at Mount Sinai through Moses, a moral blueprint that brings blessing, stability, and divine presence into the world. These seven foundational laws are:

1. Belief in one G‑d
2. Respect for G‑d’s name
3. Respect for human life
4. Respect for the family
5. Respect for others’ property
6. Justice and law
7. Not being cruel to animals

By each of us doing our part, we help usher in the time of Moshiach—our righteous redeemer from the House of David—who, as Maimonides describes, will bring peace, wisdom, and harmony to the world.

“The world will be filled with the knowledge of G‑d as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9, quoted by Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 12:5)

May you be blessed with success in all your endeavors. Please know that this is just a small drop from the vast ocean of Jewish wisdom—and I would be honored to hear where and how this interview will be shared.

With blessings,
Rabbi Yaakov Raskin