Chabad of Gwinnett Breaks Ground for New Center

The corner of Spalding Drive and Crooked Creek Drive is the site of a new building for learning, fellowship, outreach.

In a time when divisiveness and radical separatist beliefs have seen a rise in persecution for religious, racial, ethnic, economic, sexual orientation and a host of other reasons, it’s refreshing to see people come together in their faith.

On a blazing Sunday afternoon, all of Gwinnett County was invited to a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new Chabad Enrichment Center. Although there is a current structure next door, the new building will be at the corner of Spalding Drive and Crooked Creek Drive in Peachtree Corners.

“Honestly, I can’t believe that we have reached this moment. From a child, we have been dreaming of this. And I see many of you in the crowd who have dragged with us. And yet we are here,” said Rabbi Mendel Lerman in his introductory remarks.

The Chabad first opened its doors in 2001 as a center for Jewish connection for hundreds of families. It has been a “gentle magnet and a beacon of light which draws Jews of all backgrounds closer to their Jewish roots,” according to its mission statement.

Non-Jews may not be familiar with the concept.

History of Chabad

In Czarist and Communist Russia, the leaders of Chabad led the struggle for the survival of Torah Judaism, often facing imprisonment and relentless persecution for their activities. After the Holocaust, under the direction of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchaak Schneerson and his successor, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, Chabad became a worldwide movement, caring for the spiritual and material needs of all Jews, wherever they could be found,

Left, Rabbi Mendel Lerman speaking to the audience at the groundbreaking ceremony. Above, among the engineers, architects and others were elected officials City Councilmen Eric Christ, Phil Sadd and Joe Sawyer, and Mayor Mike Mason. Top picture opposite page going clockwise: Rabbi Yossi Lerman, his wife Esther and Marie and Scott Frank Scott Frank Mayor Mike Mason Shelley Katzef Jim Gaffe with Scott Frank and Rabbi Lerman Michael Greenbaum, owner of TOWER Beer, Wine & Spirits flanked by Rabbis Yossi and Mendel Lerman

Those in attendance were asked to participate in the ceremony by adding gravel to the area of the groundbreaking.

according Chabad.org.

The website added that today, over 3,500 Chabad institutions are located in more than 85 countries, with a new center opening on the average every 10 days. In South Africa, South America, Russia, Australia, Asia, the UK and many parts of the USA, Chabad has become the most dynamic and dominant force within the Jewish community.

So, to be concise, a Chabad house is a form of Jewish community center, primarily serving both educational and observance purposes.

Rabbi Yossi New, director of Chabad of Georgia, put the significance of the groundbreaking into perspective. “At Chabad, we believe that every Jew belongs simply because they are Jewish. We don’t charge a membership fee. You shouldn’t have to pay to be Jewish and to spend time with your own family. In fact, you are the secret and beauty of this community.

“And so, when we set out to build this center, we wanted to demonstrate this message to the entire Gwinnett County,” Rabbi New continued. “And for that reason, we want to gift every Jewish family in Gwinnett County with a brick. On this brick, they can have their family name. This brick, along with hundreds of others will be prominently displayed on the future center. And your grandchildren… 50 years from now will say, “Who are the pioneers who are the founders of this great synagogue?” And they can see grandma and grandpa’s name there.”

Significance of coming together

mation on Zoom. But you cannot connect in a deep and meaningful way — not with God and not with each other,” said Rabbi New. “And the significance of this beautiful building that is about to be erected is not the bricks and the mortar, as beautiful as it will be. But it will be a place where everyone involved in this beautiful community will have the opportunity to connect with God, and to connect with each other in a deep and meaningful way.”

The long road to get to where they are today, was explained by a longtime member and supporter, Shelley Katzef.

“A few years ago, the Chabad was at a crossroad. We knew we needed to grow, but we didn’t know how far we can jump. We thought we take it safe and in slow steps, so we purchased the home on Crooked Creek, thinking that we would make our base for a few years from the small home,” she said. “But not when you have Mr. Michael Greenbaum as part of your community. Michael taught us to stop thinking slices and start thinking pies. Shoot for the top. And that’s just what we did. Thanks to his vision and to the generosity of Anna and Michael Greenbaum, we are able to be here today to begin this magnificent Chabad center.”

Another person who was instrumental in getting to this point in the process was Scott Frank, who served as campaign chair for the building fund.

“I’m just like you. I’m just one of the team. And I’m just blessed to be a part of the team,” he said. “Today is a moment in time that we’re going to look back on for many, many years, you know. May 22, 2022 — this is the day that we consecrated this land.

“It is going to help many Jews, but it’s going to help many other people in this community,” Frank continued. “It is here to help people. And that’s one of the things that draws me — it’s about people. It’s about each and every one of us. We’re all unique. We’re all special and we all have gifts. And when we come together, we can make miracles happen.”

Before the heat and the beating sun caused sunstroke, Rabbi Yossi Lerman wrapped up the ceremony and gathered the dignitaries to “break the ground.”

“It’s been a very long hard road with lots of ups and downs. Nevertheless, here we are at the entrance to our future home. A huge ‘Mazel Tov’ to everyone here today. And to all of you who persevered to make this miracle happen, thank you. Thank you for coming out and celebrating with us today,” he said.

“I don’t know if it was just because it was Passover, but it occurs to me that we have something in common with some other amazing people who celebrate Passover,” Rabbi Yossi Lerman added. “We’re very similar to the Jews that left Egypt. Now, the Israelites, it took them 40 years, but they believed in Moses. And there were lots of times I’m sure… they were like, ‘What the heck are we doing here?’ ‘Moses, where are we going?’ ‘What’s this all about?’”

But they kept moving forward and 40 years later they found the Promised Land.

Rabbi Yossi Lerman stressed that while this Chabad project didn’t have Moses, it had a dedicated group of people who were able to accomplish the goal in half the time — 20 years.

“We give them a round of applause,” he said. “We are blessed to be a part of a very special group of people a family.”

The Chabad Enrichment Center is located at 5830 Spalding Drive. Find more information at chabadofgwinnett.org. ■