Bonita synagogue seeking to move to Estero

A synagogue and Jewish center in Bonita Springs has taken the first step in moving to Estero.

Chabad Jewish Center of Bonita Springs will go before the Estero Community Planning Panel on Dec. 14 to begin the process of building a synagogue, Jewish center and rabbi’s house on a plot of land on Coconut Road.

Chabad Rabbi Mendy Greenberg said they haven’t yet purchased the property and plans for the center are still preliminary. Going before the planning panel is the first step toward bringing the center to Estero.

“This is a very good location for people living in Bonita, as well,” Greenberg said.

Neal Noethlich, chairman of the Community Planning Panel, said he’s had positive feedback about the proposed center from members of the planning panel.

“I would expect it’s not going to receive a negative response,” he said.

His only concern with the property is its small size. The 2.5-acre plot will house a synagogue and Jewish center as well as house for the rabbi and he doesn’t know if there will be enough room for adequate parking and buffering from neighboring properties. “It’s not a real big property,” he said.

But like Greenberg, Noethlich said he thinks the property, which is halfway between U.S. 41 and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa on Coconut Road, will better serve residents of Bonita Springs and Estero.

“It’s a good spot, actually,” Noethlich said. “It’s accessible, and it’s kind of in the center.

Greenberg is working with a planner and Noethlich said the next step after the planning panel meeting will be meeting with staff in the Lee County planning department.

The most common question Noethlich has gotten about the synagogue is whether it will be Orthodox, the most conservative Jewish sect. Greenberg doesn’t have an answer for him.

“We do not believe in categorizing Jews in different categories. We are all one,” he said. “It’s a mix of every type of Jew together.”

The Jewish center will provide a place for people to learn about the Jewish culture and faith, he said.“That’s basically what our focus is,” he said.

They will also host services in the synagogue.

Right now the Chabad is without a synagogue and holds services throughout the community. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services observing the Jewish New Year and the day of atonement were held at the Comfort Inn in Bonita Springs.

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