For Yeshiva Week, we ventured south to Chile, a land of thrilling adventures and breathtaking natural beauty. Benji Bral of Epic Horizon Tours, whom we discovered through The Jewish Link, welcomed us with knitted backpacks filled with snacks, a detailed itinerary, and a Spanish phrasebook. Once we settled into our rooms at The Wyndham Santiago Pettra, our journey began immediately. We made sure to apply strong sunscreen frequently, as our winter is their summer.
In Santiago, we rode the funicular to Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of this city nestled among the Andes Mountains. The skyline is a striking mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture. Santiago’s Jewish history, dating back to early colonial times, saw significant growth in the 19th and 20th centuries, with synagogues and schools flourishing by the mid-1900s.
We hiked the Andes to see the San José Volcano, followed by a relaxing visit to Colina’s thermal hot springs, where we soaked in pools of varying temperatures. That night, we enjoyed a kosher feast at Grillhouse, savoring empanadas, Peruvian salmon ceviche, and lomo saltado. The friendly owner enhanced the experience.
The next day, we embarked on a speedboat ride to Isla Cachagua to observe Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. Lunch, provided by Leib Portman’s Kosher Food (www.leibportman.cl), included schnitzel, empanadas and bagels.
We strolled through Valparaíso’s artsy streets, admiring colorful murals and browsing boutiques in Viña del Mar. However, the presence of anti-Israel graffiti in Valparaíso was disheartening. Two of my kids took surfing lessons in Viña del Mar.
Shabbat brought us to Santiago’s Chabad (jabadchile.org), a 770 replica donated by a Holocaust survivor. Located just a short walk from our hotel, it provided a unique experience with siddurim and a dvar Torah in Spanish. We had dinner with Santiago’s Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzin, Meir and Sara Perman, and their four children.
On Shabbat day, after navigating heavy security, we davened at the grand Aish HaTorah building (https://aishchile.cl) and enjoyed a lavish kiddush in a massive tent. Rabbi Chaim Weisbluth, a baal teshuva, leads a vibrant congregation of about 250 attendees each Shabbat and 1,500 for the High Holidays. The Chilean Jewish community dates back to the late 1800s, when approximately 15,000 Jews arrived from Europe. Today, 10-15% of the community is Orthodox. Although relations with Chile’s antisemitic and anti-Israel President Gabriel Boric are strained, Weisbluth says he “feels safe here. Baruch Hashem, Aish provides many activities and classes for all ages, including an upcoming kollel.”
The Jewish community in Chile has long played an active role in the country’s cultural, social and academic circles. Despite being a small population, Chilean Jews have made significant contributions to the arts, sciences, trades and universities. They’ve also demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy, financially supporting both Jewish and non-Jewish institutions, including schools and fire stations.
Rabbi Marcello Kormis and his wife, Fernanda Auba, warmly hosted our lunch, sharing stories about Santiago’s Jewish community and their own family history. Both Rabbi Kormis and Auba’s families emigrated from Europe to Chile before the Holocaust, becoming part of the country’s vibrant Jewish community. Today, they play a vital role in Jewish education, youth programs and community leadership, despite the challenges of antisemitism. Rabbi Kormis teaches Jewish and Bible studies to both Jewish and non-Jewish students at multiple universities, both in-person and online. Meanwhile, Auba oversees and organizes cultural activities at the local Jewish community center, fostering a strong sense of connection and heritage.
According to Rabbi Kormis, Chilean Jews form a proud and engaged Zionist community, dedicated to supporting Israel through financial aid, military service and tourism. However, they also face considerable challenges. Chile is home to the largest Palestinian diaspora outside the Middle East, numbering approximately 300,000 people. Additionally, a significant neo-Nazi presence, with members descended from former Nazis, poses further difficulties for the Jewish population.
Despite these challenges, the Chilean Jewish community remains resilient, continuing to foster strong ties with both Israel and Chile while actively contributing to the nation’s development.
Sunday took us to Maipo Valley Winery for a tour and a tasting of kosher Terroso Chilean wines. We capped off the day by paragliding in Maitencillo, flying over the Pacific with breathtaking views. That evening, we indulged in a delicious dinner at Kosh (kosh.cl), enjoying sake balls and Gogan bowls.
Next, we flew north from Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport to El Loa Airport in Calama and drove an hour to San Pedro, home of the Atacama Desert. Its surreal landscapes of salt flats, lagoons and geysers provided an unparalleled stargazing experience. We started with a hot air balloon ride, followed by a hike through Valle de la Luna’s otherworldly rock formations. Watching the sun set over the desert in hues of orange, pink and purple was truly unforgettable.
We went horseback riding through Valle de la Muerte and explored San Pedro’s charming town before marveling at the stars under crystal-clear skies. The expert guide’s telescope revealed the Milky Way and distant galaxies.
After a well-earned rest, we explored the Atacama salt flats, where flamingos waded in sparkling lagoons. Sandboarding in Valle de la Muerte was another highlight—a thrilling test of balance and skill. For our final night, Bral orchestrated a magical dinner under the stars, featuring glatt kosher meat from Kosher Market.
On our last morning, we visited Geysers del Tatio, one of the world’s highest geothermal fields, and made a brief stop in Rainbow Valley to admire its vibrant, multicolored landscapes before heading home.
The trip was amazing. Bral arranged every detail, from activities to Shabbat davening and hospitality, as well as accommodations and transportation. Check out his site at https://www.epichorizontours.com or reach him via phone at 327-433-8853 or email at [email protected].
