The Chabad Center for Jewish Life at KU on Sunday will celebrate a huge milestone: a groundbreaking for a facility that will quadruple the center’s space.
“This is the first time in the history of Lawrence Kansas that a new building is being built for the KU Jewish Student Community!” Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, who directs and leads KU Chabad along with his wife, Nechama Tiechtel, said via email.
The ceremony is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1203 W. 19th St. in Lawrence.
The event will include KU, City of Lawrence and Douglas County leadership, as well as “fun activities including photos with Big Jay, exciting giveaways, and delicious bites.” It’s free to attend, and the community is invited.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for Jewish culture and celebration serving the KU and Northeast Kansas Jewish communities,” according to KU Chabad’s news release. “A two-story building with front and back outdoor plazas will be constructed on the site, including a dedicated parking lot. The Jewish Center will be a welcoming place where everyone in the community will feel right at home.”
The center will host events for all people to learn about and explore Jewish heritage and culture, and it will serve as a safe space for Jewish students to gather in prayer, celebration and community, according to the release.
The Tiechtels anticipate that participation in KU Chabad “will increase markedly” when the new, larger center is constructed.
Parking for the event will be available at KU’s Ambler Student Recreation Center, 1740 Watkins Center Drive, according to the release.
So far, KU Chabad has raised more $3.5 million of its $6 million fundraising goal to support the project. The event, with the theme of “Building the Future Together,” will also celebrate the efforts of students, alumni, donors and more in making the dream a reality.
Learn more at BuildKUChabad.com. Those with questions can also reach out to Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel at Rabbi@JewishKU.com or call 785-832-8672, according to the release.
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