New Jewish Community Center Opens in Florida

Four years after a fire destroyed the local Chabad House, this Jewish community (pop. 10,000) in West Broward is preparing to dedicate a magnificent 16,000 square foot center. Several hundred local community members are expected to attend the dedication ceremony this Thursday, which will coincide with Chabad of Weston’s annual dinner.

Named the Paula and Harry Singer Campus, the beautiful three-acre property was purchased with a generous contribution by Dr. Amy Singer who will receive an award at the dinner. The building—the Stanely and Marilyn Cohen Chabad Center, which includes a sanctuary, mikveh, Jewish library, social hall, classrooms, administrative offices and the pre-school and Hebrew school—was dedicated by Allan and Karen Cohen, who will be awarded at the dinner as well.

After operating out of a trailer for two years while construction was underway, the change is dramatic. “This has been our dream ever since we arrived here some eight years ago,” says Rabbi Yisrael Spalter, director of Chabad of Weston. Rabbi Spalter said he observed a dramatic increase in participation at Chabad events since the new center opened. “People here are proud to be part of this magnificent project, and are taking a closer look at all that Chabad offers them and their families in terms of a quality Jewish life experience.”