Rabbi Yossi, 27, and Toby, 23, Rapoport started Chabad of Broomfield a year-and-a-half ago, hosting holiday events, speakers and social activities ranging from soup and scotch to hikes. They are the parents of Isaac and Musya.
Where are you both from?
We both grew up in families dedicated to building Jewish communities — Toby’s in Aspen, Colorado, and Yossi’s in Milwaukee, Wisc. Watching our parents inspire and unite people left a big impression on both of us, so following in their footsteps felt like a natural path.
When we left New York, we wanted to be in Colorado, where we have family and a love for the outdoors. Plus, the Denver-Boulder area has one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in North America, so we knew it would be a wonderful area to help build something new. That’s how we landed in Broomfield!
Where and what did you study?
Toby: I spent a year studying in Israel, then finished my degree in psychology in New York.
Yossi: My studies took me to rabbinical yeshivas worldwide, including Chicago, New York, France and Israel. I also volunteered as a Chabad student rabbi across places like Ukraine, Mexico, Germany and various Midwest states.
Why Broomfield?
We saw a real opportunity here to bring Jewish life and community to this growing area, and we’re so glad we did.
What is one of the biggest challenges of setting up a new community? And one of the biggest rewards?
We moved here without knowing a single person — not a name, not an address — so we truly started from the ground up. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing how that’s changed. Today, we know over 350 Jewish families locally and feel grateful for the friendships we’ve built within Broomfield and throughout the greater Denver Jewish community.
How did you train for this job?
You could say we’ve been training since we were born. Chabad life is family-oriented; it’s not your typical 9-to-5 job, so we grew up immersed in it. On a practical level, we spent thousands of hours volunteering around the world with various Chabad institutions.
How did Oct. 7 impact your Jewish identity and work?
This year has been difficult, but the Jewish nation’s response to the challenge — like always — fighting off hate with love, and darkness with light, has made us prouder than ever to be part of this incredible and resilient nation.
The Jewish people are truly a “nation of light,” and we’ve seen a tremendous amount of people locally reaching out to connect with their roots, help others and be part of something greater. It has been humbling and deeply moving.
What is meaningful to you about being Jewish?
The sense of purpose and the ability to channel every moment and experience into bringing goodness and light into the world.
Who has been an inspiring figure in your lives?
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. His message to reach out to every Jew with love — regardless of philosophy, politics or background — is what guides us every day, through all the ups and downs.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
Letters for Life. It shares the rebbe’s wisdom on staying grounded and positive through life’s emotional ups and downs. It’s packed with his insights on creating healthy habits and overcoming challenges like worry and loneliness, with practical advice that’s relatable and easy to apply.
What do you do in your free time?
We both love Colorado’s outdoors — snowboarding and hiking together whenever we can. Yossi is a casual chess player, while Toby loves baking challah and trying out new recipes.
Favorite spot in Colorado?
Aspen, of course! Nothing like dropping the kiddos off with Bubby and Zeidy so we can hit the slopes.
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