The number 18 is special in Judaism. Corresponding to the Hebrew word “chai” (or “life”), this number symbolizes vitality, strength and expansion.
It’s been nearly 18 years since my wife, Chana, and I founded the Chabad of Southside, a community center serving Jews in the UNF area and the general population in Jacksonville. This theme — of vitality, energy and newness — has been at the center of our work in Jacksonville for almost two decades and was at the forefront of our recent celebration.
On June 4, we held a dedication for the Model Family Terrace by the Lake, our new community gathering space. While the ceremony — which featured musical performances, community leadership awards and award-winning kosher BBQ — was exciting, the feeling of community, warmth and joy caused me to reflect upon what the Chabad means for Jacksonville’s Southside.
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The Hebrew term for synagogue is “beit knesset,” which literally translates to “place of gathering.” In 2019, we opened a 12,000-square-foot facility as a center not only for spiritual and religious functions, but as a way to serve the community’s cultural and social needs. Our center has become a microcosm of Jacksonville, welcoming Jews and neighbors from all walks of life to relax, recharge and feel nourished by what is offered here.
We feature a student lounge and game room, a prayer sanctuary, the acclaimed Ganeinu preschool, the Ahava Kosher café and the Malnik Gallery for Judaic art.
Our art gallery is home to Robert Indiana’s famous “Ahava” pop art sculpture, a Hebrew rendition of his “Love” statue in the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Guests often take pictures with the sculpture and it represents the fun, creative atmosphere we aim to cultivate here. In fact, internationally renowned artist Romero Britto, founder of the Happy Art Movement, made a special appearance in our gallery at the event.
Britto and David “Papi” Einhorn of Papi Steak in Miami were among the cultural icons who joined us for the dedication. U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL 5th District), along with Jacksonville City Councilman Nick Howland (At-Large, Group 3) and Yair Netanyahu (son of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu) were also part of the colorful crowd at the celebration.
This mix of community, culture and celebration is the tonic needed to counter the stress and trying times our country is facing. The act of giving back from our community members to their communal spaces is a heartening reminder of the roles we play in society and the ability we have to impact change in our surroundings.
As we overlooked the picturesque lake on the new terrace, I couldn’t help but feel gratitude for the support we’ve had over the years from our dedicated community members. When we moved to Jacksonville almost 18 years ago, we set out to build on the values of community, philanthropy and celebration and at the dedication event on Sunday, those values were clear to see all around us.
An additional highlight of the event was special awards presented to Drs. Dmitriy and Elena Model of Avecina Medical; Dr. Lazar Finker, co-chairman of the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation; Ryan Shapiro, CEO of Kiwichat (who dedicated our Shapiro Sanctuary in his late father’s honor); and real estate developer Bruce Kaye.
This event couldn’t have been more representative of a thriving and lively community. The fact that so many inspiring and well-accomplished individuals were here for the Lakeside Terrace’s opening forecasts a bright future for this event space that will serve the community for years to come.
As our center approaches its 18th year, we recognize that the work we’re doing is just beginning. Our work has been — and continues to be — inspired by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, considered the most influential Jewish leader in modern history. The 29th anniversary of his passing is June 22.
When once asked about how to make meaningful change in the world, the Rebbe answered “If you see what needs to be repaired and know how to repair it, then you have found a piece of the world that G-d has left you to perfect.” His teachings inspire me daily to continue the work here to support the Jewish and non-Jewish community in Jacksonville. We’re grateful for the community we’ve been so fortunate to support and know there is much more work to be done ahead.
To learn more about our events and programs, visit SouthsideChabad.com.
Rabbi Shmuli Novack, Chabad of Southside
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.
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