This week was very special. We celebrated the groundbreaking of the Chabad Jewish Community Center in Sioux Falls, and it was deeply overwhelming in the best way. I think I speak for many of us when I say that despite all the hard work, hopes, prayers, and support, Tuesday afternoon still felt surreal and miraculous. Here are some pictures, and soon we will share the complete media coverage.  

We could never have reached this milestone without the generosity and support of friends in Sioux Falls and across the country who value and appreciate the work to strengthen Yiddishkeit in South Dakota.

It brought to mind the opening words of this week’s Torah portion, Eikev: “If you will heed these… G-d will keep the covenant for you, as well as the kindness that He swore to your forefathers. He will love you, bless you…” followed by many blessings.

The commentaries explain that the word “Eikev” is used here because it symbolizes even “these things” that are often overlooked. The Torah is teaching us to give special care and participate even in those mitzvahs which some may ignore. 

As the Rebbe taught, no Jew is too far and no community is too small. On Tuesday, we saw that come alive. 

Perhaps there was no greater moment of joy and pride at the groundbreaking than the children who helped lead the event. Alongside the adults shoveling dirt, some 20 children from our Camp Gan Israel proudly turned over earth with their own shovels, decorated with their Judaic art. They are our future.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us in person, and to all who have already contributed. We will soon be launching a campaign to raise the remaining funds needed for this project, and I will be reaching out personally with more information and materials in the weeks and months ahead. If you would like to support this effort, or know someone who may be interested, please contact us today.

As we gear up to break ground for a beautiful campus for the South Dakota Jewish community, some wonder about our proposed community center, or if a permanent space is even needed at all? The Jewish population here is small. As one friend put it, “tiny is too big a description.” Published data (though inaccurate!) sometimes estimates the Jewish population of South Dakota at 250–500. While we’re not quite that small, we are still few in number and even smaller in percentage.

The story of South Dakota Jewry may very well have its first roots in this week’s Torah portion. In his parting words, Moses urges the people of Israel to always remain loyal to G-d, reminding them to live up to their Divine mission, even when amongst nations far more numerous. He says, “For you are the least of all peoples” (Deuteronomy 7:7).
Here in South Dakota, we understand what it means to be the smallest of all peoples. Most of us are the only Jew in our workplace, the children the only Jew in their grade at school, and I’ve often thought of this verse when reflecting on our role here.

As Moses said, the Jewish people have always been a small group. That might prompt some to wonder what our purpose is and how we can accomplish it. Even if we survive, how can we have a meaningful impact?

The Rebbe addressed this question with a powerful analogy. He explained that science has demonstrated that quantity is not always the deciding factor. The question is whether we can unlock the quality energy and potential that exists within us. Just like an atom, though tiny, can release immense power when its latent energy is tapped, we too carry within us incredible spiritual energy.

In nuclear fission, power is released by breaking the atom into smaller components. Spiritually, this means breaking our egos to allow our Divine essence to shine. The more we master this “spiritual technology,” the less we need to be concerned by small numbers.

This is true for us as a people, that we should not define ourselves as “a minority,” but recognize the value, potential, and benefit we bring to society by living as G-d intended: being a light to those around us and adding goodness, kindness, and spirituality. It is also true for each of us as individuals. As the Rebbe taught, “No community is too small, and no Jew is too far.” We each have a mission, a mandate, and unlimited potential to succeed and achieve it.
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Within each of us lies the power to impact the world around us for the good, one step at a time. As a community, we may be small in number, but we matter, and our spiritual needs matter. So together we are building something lasting and meaningful, a beautiful Jewish Community Center that will serve our growing community for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating this big monumental step with you on Tuesday at 2:30.