Jewish Herald Voice • Thu, Oct 17, 2013 By Menachem Posner
Seth Weisberg calls Chabad of Uptown his “second home,” where he goes to pray, learn and schmooze with fellow members of the tribe – along with dozens of other Jewish families and singles.
“Events have become so full, and we want to be able to support the growing turnout,” said the Denver native who has been a part of Chabad of Uptown for the past three years.
To that end, Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff said his community is planning to expand the congregation’s current premises on Bettis Drive to hold a 2,000-square-foot sanctuary that also will serve as a multipurpose room for approximately 100 people. The attached dining hall will accommodate simultaneous and overflow crowds.
Artist rendering of the Chabad of Uptown expansion
In summer 2012, plans for the expansion were drawn up by Marks and Salley Inc., in tandem with a capital campaign. Weisberg said the results have been encouraging. “Our goal is to raise about $390,000. We have raised upwards of $235,000, thanks to many generous supporters, and we are poised to approach a larger pool of donors to finish the job. There are naming opportunities for those who wish to dedicate rooms or accessories to loved ones,” Weisberg explained.
According to Weisberg, the new wing will “be both a beautiful space for prayer and a multi-use area for speakers and other communal events. An important aspect of having two large rooms is that we will be able to have two events simultaneously, such as services for adults, with a parallel program for children.”
Rabbi Lazaroff said that the new construction is not just about size. “We will have an exquisite replica of the Western Wall, which will reflect our constant connection to Israel. The architecture is going to reflect the culture, nature and beauty of the area.”
Maurice Purcell is a major supporter of the new campaign. He sees Chabad as a bulwark against assimilation. “They are educating the next generation on what it means to be Jewish,” said the 76-year-old native of South Africa. “I hope that the expanded center will be a comfortable place where even more people come and learn about their tradition.”
Although Chabad of Uptown will be larger, Weisberg does not believe it will lose its signature hominess. “I love the close, friendly, open and accessible feeling of Chabad of Uptown,” he said. “This project will not change that, only reinforce it and enable more of it.”
To learn more about the project and for giving opportunities, go tochabaduptown.org/building or call 713-419-3960.