Chabad Center for Jewish Life

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BUILDING A DREAM

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE 516-833-3057 ChabadJewishLife.org

Center for Jewish Life

a place for

EVERYONE

Dear Friend, When the Chabad Center for Jewish Life was established in Merrick in 2006, we began with a simple and refreshing premise, one that continues to serve as our core value today: A Jew is a Jew is a Jew. Period. Our goal is to serve the material, spiritual, and social needs of the Jewish community, to connect each individual, regardless of commitment and background.

Part of the dream has always been to create a place, a community center, where all the diverse programs, services, and activities of our growing community can come together – a home where people feel welcome and where their various community needs can be met. We want everyone to feel that this is their home. Our hope is that the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life will strengthen people’s existing organization and synagogue affiliations, and create new bonds in our community as we grow together.

We have, with G-d’s help and the support of generous donors, purchased a 25,000 ft2 office building in a prime location in Merrick, on Hewlett Ave, one block north of Sunrise Highway and the Merrick LIRR. We have completed Phase One, investing in immediate needs to make the facility usable, and are now working toward Phase Two, constructing the Jewish Early Learning Center, Community Mikvah, Multi-Purpose Room, library and study hall. We are also excited about the possibilities for future development, and look forward to your input.

We hope you will join us in continuing to build upon these already strong foundations, as we open our doors and hearts to a flourishing future for our community.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Shimon and Chanie Kramer

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

With tremendous blessing and community support, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life has emerged as one of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh’s most dynamic and vibrant Jewish organizations. The friendly, non-judgmental approach and openness make everyone feel welcome, and the wide range of programs and services enable Jews of all ages and backgrounds to experience the warmth and beauty of Jewish life.

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Center for Jewish Education

a place for

GROWTH

Our children are the guarantors of the future for our community and our people.

The Center for Jewish Education at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life invests in educational programs for young people so that they can carry forward the torch of Jewish life.

Jewish Early Learning Center Preschool & Daycare

The Jewish Early Learning Center meets the highest standards of Early Child Education for the young child, engaging every facet of the child. We stimulate the mind with ideas, skills, music, and art. We help the body grow strong and healthy with a state of the art playground and nourishing Kosher meals. And we also transmit the values children need for a wholesome and rich life. We show them the heritage that belongs to them, nurture their souls, train their conscience, teach their hearts, and let them know that they belong. Most importantly, the Jewish ELC provides a child early in life with a firm sense of identity and pride in who they are.

Camp Gan Israel

Aleph Art Room

Activity Zone

Camp Gan Israel, part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world, enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs, and new activities. Camp Gan Israel of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh is a place where children broaden their horizons and experience the best adventure and recreation against a backdrop of Jewish spirit and culture.

A space for boundless creative expression and jolly mess-making, to be utilized by the JELC, children’s programs, senior citizens, and other visitors.

Birthday Parties, After School Clubs, Sunday Funday, Stay & Play programs and a veritable discovery zone combining challenges of creativity with physical fitness.

The early formative years are an important time for bonding and love. At Mommy & Me, young children with their parents or grandparents enjoy an hour of creative fun through baking, stories, music, movement, and art activities.

C-Teen C-Teen activities combines exhilarating fun and meaningful community service into a program that is exciting and uniting.

It’s the place to be for every Jewish teen. A teen game room and recreational center will be set up for educational programs and social interaction.

GROWTH

Mommy & Me

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Center for Spirituality

a place for

TRADITION

One of the great things about Chabad Center for Jewish Life is that everyone feels welcome, like part of a large, extended family, as we celebrate our heritage together and support one another.

COMMUNITY MIKVAH In conjunction with the Mikvah Committee of Merrick-Bellmore, Chabad Center for Jewish Life is constructing a Community Mikvah.

A Mikvah is one of the most important and vital institutions for any community. The pristine, fully-modern Community Mikvah will combine practical beauty with innate spirituality, allowing for an experience that is private, relaxing, rejuvenating, and uplifting.

The Mikvah opens a connection to eternal Jewish spirituality, and gives the gift of purity and transcendence to the individual, the community, and the Jewish people as a whole.

What is a mikvah?

A mikvah is a ritual bath used for immersion in fulfillment of numerous Jewish commandments. The most important and prevalent use of the mikvah is by brides and married women. The Mikvah creates a transformation from the everyday world to the realm of the sublime and spiritual. For thousands of years, Jews have turned to the Mikvah for renewal and purification.

The rituals involved in family purity add unmatched dimensions of sanctity, holiness, and unity to the marital relationship.

Spirituality & Tradition: Holiday Celebrations Holiday Celebrations, including holiday services, events, feasts and parties, give us a chance to connect as a community and really live our heritage together.

Adult Education & Study Hall Chabad offers a variety of intellectually stimulating lectures, courses and ongoing classes for adults at all levels of learning seeking to expand their Jewish horizons, through formal study casual interactive sessions.

Life Cycle Events Through all the twists and turns of life, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life is always there to guide community members through the Jewish way of celebrating and marking each occasion – births, Brit Mila, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Weddings, and more. In addition to officiating at the functions, we also serve as teacher, friend and guide, helping make the appropriate arrangements every step of the way, and sharing insights that make the experience more meaningful and fulfilling.

Judaica Center Visitors can drop off mezuzas or tefillin to be checked, buy new ones, and inquire about various ritual articles at the Center for Jewish Life.

TRADITION

Introducing the NEW Merrick-Bellmore

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Community Center

a place for

FRIENDSHIP

As a community, we are more than just the sum of our parts. One of the ideas behind the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life is to create a space where people can come to just be, to create opportunities for people to connect, and space where good things happen.

Jewish Women’s Circle

Library & Media Center

The Jewish Women’s Circle is a space where Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds socialize, learn, laugh, experience and recharge.

Our meetings feature lively discussions, creative do-it-yourself activities, lectures, visiting artists, and a chance to meet new friends and schmooze.

The Library & Media Center will make Jewish educational and cultural material more accessible, encouraging further exploration of our heritage. People of all ages, especially children, will be able to borrow Jewish books, music, DVDs, and other media, or use them in our interactive center.

Community Sports Center (PHASE 3)

Kosher Café (Phase 3)

Community Development The Center will have office and meeting space where community initiatives can develop, where people with great ideas can get together to brainstorm and organize, and where the programs and services they develop can be housed.

The Kosher Café will be a comfortable and inviting place to eat out for residents and visitors.

Guest House (Phase 3) Spend a peaceful Shabbat in a comfortable and affordable suite situated at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, in the heart of the Jewish community.

FRIENDSHIP

Featuring a gymnasium and basic fitness equipment, the Community Sports Center will offer a place to exercise, and a facility to host Jewish sports teams and intramural leagues.

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Center for Social Services

a place for

CARING

Circle of Hope

The Setton Family Kosher Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry

Circle of Hope provides awareness, emotional support and hands-on help to individuals and their families coping with breast cancer and other illnesses. It is a place where the community, medical professionals and their families join forces to create free and confidential services and resources. The services and support groups are offered in a lovely, home-like suite at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, where patients form an educational network and connect with others undergoing similar treatments. All services are free and confidential.

The Setton Family Kosher Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry was created in response to economic need. Individuals or families in need receive a weekly package that includes groceries, fresh produce, meat and poultry, and Shabbat food items. Moving these services into the new Jewish Center for Jewish Life and providing proper facilities will enable us to expand and improve the service, and also offer a drop-in center for those in need.

Friendship Circle

Smile on Seniors

The Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs, while teaching positive values to young people in our community.

Through a core group of teenage volunteers, Friendship Circle enables community members to reap the rewards of selfless giving.

SOS gives seniors the opportunity to share their life experiences, learn about health and exercise in a warm, social atmosphere with a delicious brunch. S.O.S. also matches local volunteers with local seniors for a weekly visit, bringing joy and a sense of caring to many.

Cancer Support Services MERRICK

Crisis Counseling Chabad Lifeline is a program that will be dedicated to helping families in crisis, offer marital counseling and providing support to those who are struggling with addiction.

Job Placement Service We will offer assistance to those who have lost jobs or are ready to join the workforce with job placement.

CARING

The backbone of any community is the infrastructure and spirit to care for those in need.

Social Services play a prominent role in the Chabad Center for Jewish Life’s plans and activities.

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Center for Jewish Life

a place to call

HOME The new Chabad Center for Jewish Life will enable us to better serve the expanding needs of our growing community. We will be able to host more families for holiday programs and services. We will be able to open more classrooms for children’s education.

COMMUNITY MIKVAH LAUNDRY

PREP ROOM

JEWISH EARLY LEARNING CENTER

MIKVAH

CLASSROOM

WAITING ROOM

CLASSROOM

PREP ROOM

CLASSROOM (SEE DETAIL, BELOW LEFT) ENTRANCE MOVABLE WALL

MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM

PHASE 2

SOCIAL HALL COMMUNITY ACTIVITY SPACE

DEVELOPEMENT

OFFICES KITCHEN 5/7/2014 1 Square = 1 Sq Foot

Gan Israel Day Camp Toddler Rm 12 Children 18-36 months 2 Caregivers

PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM DETAIL

Bathroom G28 Wall-Mounted Shelf

G261 Changing Table 4" Pan/Steps

Diapering A254 Comp Toddler Cubby 6 w/ Totes

A254 Comp Toddler Cubby 6 w/ Totes

A283 Wall Cabinet 48"

A283 Wall Cabinet 48"

LOBBY

A282 Wall Cabinet 24"

A283 Wall Cabinet 48"

11 Toddler Cots w/ Dolly

Cubbies/Teacher Storage(wall)

F753 Post 24"

C970 One-Each Riser Kit

Blocks/ Group Area F682 Tote Shelf 3' x 24"

Cozy Corner

Toys/ Games

J710 10"

Mealtime

Dramatic Play

A811 Activity Table

J208 Childshape 8" J208 Childshape 8"

A811 Activity Table

J710 10"

J208 Childshape 8"

C910 Kitchen Corner

C233 Round 18" w/ 2 10" Chairs

A283 Wall Cabinet 48" A283 Wall Cabinet 48"

F634 Shelf with Doors 32" H505 Mini Fl(12-36m)

Sand & Water A634 Small Clear Table

Art A283 Wall Cabinet 48"

J208 Childshape 8"J208 Childshape 8"

J208 Childshape 8"

J710 10"

J710 10"

J710 10"

F792 HideAway Cube

J710 10"

J432 TLC J432 TLC

CIRCLE OF HOPE

LIBRARY

& STUDY HALL

OFFICES

HOME

J640 Armchair Neutral

Exit

F742 Solid Wave 24-32

F775 Library Rack

F753 Post 24" F731 Solid Panel F673 Corner 24"

F754 Post 32"

Entry

F631 Adj Shelf 3'x24"

F661 Fixed Shelf 3' x 24"

A742 Coathook Strip 24"

Exit

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Budget & Progress Phase 1

Complete

PURCHASE & BASIC RENOVATIONS 2012-2013 GOAL: $2,700,000

$1,700,000 raised from Founding Donors $1,000,000 mortgage (payments covered by existing rental income)

PLANS: Complete basic renovations so that the property can be used for some community programs and social services.

Phase 2

EDUCATION CENTER & MIKVAH 2014-2015

Now!

GOAL: $800,000 Demolish and rebuild two sections of the building, creating: Jewish Early Learning Center (Preschool & Daycare), Community Mikvah, Study Hall, Judaic Library, Setton Family Kosher Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry, and Multi-Purpose Room

Phase 3

BURN THE MORTGAGE & COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT 2016-2020 GOAL: $1,500,000 Raise funds to pay off the mortgage and complete development of the property.

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Dedication Opportunities Campus Naming Dedication

$1,800,000

Classrooms (x 6)

each $50,000

Education Wing Dedication

$180,000

Art Room

$36,000

Jewish Early Learning Center

$180,000

Mommy & Me Naming

$36,000

Multi-Purpose Room

$180,000

The Setton Kosher Soup Kitchen

Reserved

Kosher Food Pantry

$18,000

Executive Offices

$18,000

Preschool Main Entrance Mezuzah

Reserved

Multi-Purpose Room Main Mezuzah

$18,000

Children’s Library

Reserved

Staff Lounge

$18,000 $18,000

The Fayga Sarah Playground

Reserved

Main Lobby Entrance

$90,000

Preschool Main Lobby

$90,000

Youth Lounge/ Activity Center

$90,000

Judaic Library/Study Hall

$90,000

Chabad Lifeline

$90,000

Rabbi’s Study

Circle of Hope Suite

$90,000

Landscaping Dedication

Smile On Seniors

$90,000

Mezuzahs (x 6, 5 remaining)

each $7,200

Children’s Activity Zone

$90,000

Room Furnishings

each $7,200

$9,000

Mikvah Mikvah Naming Dedication

$180,000

Mikvah Finishes

$36,000

Mikvah Pool

$50,000

Rainwater Pool

$25,000

Lobby & Reception Area

Reserved

Main Mezuzah

$9,000

Preparation Rooms (2)

each $36,000

Founders Wall

Tree of Life

Founder $54,000 & up

Gold Leaf

$5,400 & up

Builder $36,000

Silver Leaf

$3,600

Pillar $18,000

Bronze Leaf

$1,800

All donors will be recognized with elegant plaques next to their dedications.

Founders Wall and Tree of Life will be a permanent fixture in the Main Lobby.

There will be separate Founders Walls in the Mikvah Reception Area and the Circle of Hope Suite.

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a place that belongs to

YOU

We believe that the warmth and friendliness at Chabad is what attracts many families, and we remain committed to creating this same feeling in our new facility, servicing our growing Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh community. With G-d’s help and your involvement, we hope to fill this new structure with boundless spiritual and inspirational energy.

We look forward to hearing from you.

To discuss Dedications and other sponsorship opportunities, please contact

Rabbi Shimon Kramer: RabbiK@ChabadJewishLife.org | 516-833-3057 All major pledges can be paid over a period of three years.

All contributions are tax deductible under IRS 501Š3.

Please make checks payable to Center for Jewish Life Building Fund and mail to: Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2174 Hewlett Ave, Suite 101, Merrick, NY 11566 It is important that Building Fund contributions be over and beyond your much needed annual contribution toward the operating budget of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life.