Chabad Opens $6.5 Million Jewish Campus in Minneapolis

In a state where antisemitism has made headlines in recent years, a swank new Chabad campus rises in celebration of Jewish life in Minnesota. The Twin Cities are home to a Jewish population of over 60,000, many of whom live in the suburban Minnetonka area — and the new center gives this community a home for education, prayer, and connection.

That spirit of Jewish pride was on full display on September 4th, as more than 350 people, including Minnetonka Mayor Brad Wiersum, turned out to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new campus. “This center is more than a building,” said Allan Stillerman, who dedicated the new campus in memory of his late wife Loni, and his and Loni’s parents. “It’s a home — a place where Jewish life is celebrated, where children are educated, where traditions are passed down, and where our community comes together as one. I wanted to help build a place that embodies those values.”

Following Stillerman’s remarks, Rebecca Badzin, who recalled growing up with Chabad of Minneapolis, described the campus as a place where she has become a proud and connected Jewish woman. “It’s not just a synagogue,” Badzin said. “It’s a second family, and a place where I’ve been able to grow, learn, and connect to my heritage in meaningful ways.”

For about three decades, Chabad had operated out of rental spaces, moving several times to accommodate a growing community. When they resolved to have a permanent home, they began by purchasing two properties. Due to zoning hurdles, three more of the surrounding properties were eventually purchased, tripling the project’s scale from its original design.

The new 13,000-square-foot center was designed by residential architects to reflect the building’s suburban surroundings, featuring clerestory windows and textured limestone. In addition to a spacious sanctuary, the building houses classrooms, a library, a lounge, a full commercial kitchen, and men’s and women’s Mikvahs.

Besides the Stillermans and other key contributors, hundreds of people donated toward the building campaign. “It was a grassroots effort — so many from the community came out and gave,” said Rabbi Mordechai Grossbaum. “The new space allows us to dream bigger than ever before. We can now host larger classes and holiday programs that previously weren’t possible.”

Over the summer, before the official ribbon-cutting, the center hosted various programs including a children’s camp and large community gatherings. More than four hundred people filled the new social hall in July to hear Omer Shem Tov — a Hamas hostage, share his harrowing story of 505 days in captivity.

“It’s not about the building,” said Rabbi Grossbaum at the ribbon-cutting. “It’s not about the edifice. It’s about the vessel that we now have, this tremendous tool that has and will continue to reach thousands of Jews of all backgrounds.”