LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO - The active Jewish community of Lakeview has seen exponential growth in the five years since Rabbi Dovid and Devorah Leah Kotlarsky of Chabad-Lubavitch moved to the area to open a permanent center for the community. Chabad of East Lakeview, founded by Rabbi Baruch & Chanie Hertz, close to two decades ago have had well over 100 local children attend the center’s Camp Gan Israel, while High Holiday family services attracts crowds of over 250 people.
To fill the growing need, Chabad along with the help of a group of individuals in the community, has purchased the 31,000 square-foot center located at 615-619 West Wellington Avenue. The new center will be home to the organization's synagogue, educational and outreach activities, including family holiday celebrations, teen clubs, adult classes and lectures, women’s circle and a Jewish kids club. Plans for the new center include a preschool, library, Israel experience play space, Hebrew school classrooms, lounge for young professionals, a gym, a rooftop terrace, and an outdoor playground. The center will also include guest suites, a men’s mikvah immersion bath, and a commercial kitchen for events and kosher cooking classes.
Vered and Jeremy Kaufman said of these recent developments, "Chabad brings the holidays and Jewish experiences to life like no one else. What a gift to have a new community center in the heart of Lakeview - a place for Jewish families to experience the joy and depth of Judaism." The Kaufmans, together with their three children, have been living in Lakeview for 15 years.
Chabad plans to host High Holiday services at the new center following all CDC and local guidelines, after which they will begin a capital campaign to cover the cost of the extensive renovations that will be necessary. Rabbi Kotlarsky commented, "With the new center, Chabad will be able to better serve the many Jewish families who call Lakeview home."
About Chabad of East Lakeview:
Chabad of East Lakeview is dedicated to serving all Jews throughout the Lakeview area, providing educational and holiday programs for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information visit JewishLakeview.com .
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