By Jacob Scheer
On Sunday Feb. 25, Chabad of Lake Norman held a grand opening for its new community center on Bethel Church Road in Cornelius. Dozens attended the inauguration ceremony, including the center’s founders, donors, regional rabbinical leaders, community members and many others.
“Chabad of Lake Norman is founded on the values of community, connection and celebration”, said Rabbi Chaim Greenberg, who co-directs the center with his wife Chaya in his opening speech. “It’s a place for the community to come together and unite, a space to connect to each other and to G-d, and a venue where we can celebrate joyous events and programs for all ages.”
Since opening in 2018, Chabad of Lake Norman has served the towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Troutman, Statesville and Denver. In addition to hosting Shabbat and holiday services, it offers programs such as Hebrew School and summer camp for kids ages 4-12, visits to local senior citizens, and adult educational classes. With the new space, the Greenbergs are looking forward to expanding their Jewish lifecycle events such as B’nai Mitzvah training and celebrations, wedding officiation as well as facilitating Jewish burial arrangements.
Rabbi Yossi Groner, the longest-serving rabbi in the Carolinas, delivered the keynote address. Among the distinguished speakers were Budd & Leslie Berro, respected community leaders and Rhoda Miller, who spoke about the importance of Chabad’s role in Lake Norman Jewish life.
“Since Oct. 7, Jews around the country have responded to rising antisemitism and the conflict in Israel by doubling down on their faith and their heritage,” said Rabbi Greenberg. “At this fraught time, Jews are standing tall and proud, and the opening of our new center is a sign that we aren’t giving in to fear.”
Since 2020, the Lake Norman community has experienced a large influx of new Jewish residents. The new center will be a hub for the rapidly growing Jewish life and features a multipurpose hall which serves as the synagogue sanctuary and social hall, as well as a youth room for educational classes and recreational activities. Chabad has also purchased a land across the street from the center and has plans to expand.
Chabad in North Carolina now sponsors centers in twelves cities from Wilmington to Asheville.
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