Groundbreaking!

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.