Chabad Fox Chapel has signed a lease on a building that will become the new Fox Chapel Center of Jewish Life.
The newly leased building is located on Freeport Road just past the intersection with Fox Chapel Road, about a half mile from the Waterworks shopping area and near an exit off Route 28.
Chabad, a Lubavitch organization, opened its Fox Chapel branch almost five years ago. Since then it has operated primarily out of the home of its directors, Rabbi Eli and Shternie Rosenfeld.
"From the day we arrived we were already trying to think bigger because the growth happened really quickly," Rabbi Rosenfeld said.
The Rosenfelds' home served as the location for Shabbat services and meals, and some holiday celebrations, such as Simchat Torah and Passover seders. Larger activities, including the annual Purim carnival, day camp and Hebrew school, have been held in various locations throughout Fox Chapel and O'Hara.
The one-story building is approximately 2,000 square feet and provides parking. Rosenfeld said the new space, which is in walking distance to his home, will make Chabad more accessible and visible to the community.
"We don't look at ourselves as a synagogue, but more of a center for Jewish life, whatever that will include, from a small Judaica shop to education classes, to family dinners, holiday events and other programming."
The Rosenfelds still plan to use their home for Shabbat meals and havdalah services, but the primary center of activity will be shifted to the new building on Freeport Road. Hebrew school will remain at FunFest in Harmarville, and it is likely that the annual Purim carnival will stay at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club.
Rosenfeld looks at the new space as a stepping stone until Chabad can purchase a permanent home.
Chabad Fox Chapel has seen rapid growth since its opening, Rosenfeld said, with at least 180 families affiliating with the organization.
Shternie Rosenfeld, the co-director, said that they announced the news about the building following a Friday night service.
"Everyone responded with such genuine warmth and excitement, and that was so meaningful to us," she said. "This is what we did it for. We want people to feel like this place is theirs. They were happy for us, and this will be great for their participation."
Rosenfeld believes that people will be more comfortable using the building for programs rather than his home.
"In order to grow as an organization, you need volunteers and friends to take an active ownership role and make it theirs," he said.
In addition to hired workers, there have been many volunteers from the community who have been helping to prepare the building for the grand opening celebration, scheduled for some time in June.
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