Sunday, February 9, 2025
The Chabad of Hewlett is looking toward its future, as the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett nears completion.
Construction began in 2022 with the demolition of the old structure on Everit Avenue, and there are now plans for a grand opening by the end of this year.
Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim and his wife, Rivkie, founded the Chabad of Hewlett, a nonprofit that serves the Jewish community of Hewlett and surrounding towns, over 10 years ago.
“We began planning this project a few years ago,” Tenenboim wrote in an email, “after recognizing the need for a much larger, more modern facility to accommodate our increasingly active community as more and more families from greater Hewlett have been joining our Chabad activities.”
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life will serve as a hub of activity for greater Hewlett, and will offer a range of programs and services for those of all ages, including educational classes, a lounge for Hewlett High School students, social events, a sports center and spacious prayer services.
“Participation in all Chabad of Hewlett activities have experienced significant growth in recent years, and the old building was no longer able to meet the demand for services and programs,” Tenenboim wrote. “Due to the enthusiasm of the community, we decided to create a new building to provide a welcoming, state-of-the-art space for the entire community to gather and connect.”
Chabad of Hewlett was created in the Tenenboims’ home, and later moved to a small store on Broadway before finding a home on Everit Avenue.
One of the main reasons to build a bigger space was to have the ability to host large community events, while being a central meeting place.
“We’ve designed the space to be warm, inviting, and functional,” Tenenboim wrote, “with plenty of natural light and cutting-edge technology that will make it one of the most beautiful Jewish centers that the entire community can be proud of.”
The new building will also feature a state-of-the-art after-school program for children.
Neil Kupferman, a member of the Chabad for nine years who sits on its board, has been involved in the project since it was a dream. Joining the congregation changed his life, he said, and the Chabad is his second home in Hewlett.
“I thank and bless the Rabbi and Rivkie for coming to this community and creating a true home for us all,” Kupferman wrote in an email. “They are the most giving and caring people I have ever met who give of themselves in the most selfless manner. They are a light to this community. They spread joy, knowledge and acceptance to all who knock at their door.”
Kupferman said he has seen Tenenboim’s impact on the community through the years, and he looks forward to the future of the Chabad. “It has made our community and life in Hewlett all the better,” he wrote. “A sense of belonging and warmth to a community that otherwise is just like any other neighborhood. Chabad of Hewlett is Hewlett for me. Without it is just another neighborhood, but with it we are a true community with warmth and love.”
Michael Levine, a member for 10 years, Chabad, has supported the construction of a new building.
“The rabbi is very welcoming by reaching out to people and making sure they’re a part of the Jewish community,” Levine said. “More importantly, they are welcoming to all and non-judgmental.”
He donates monthly to the Chabad because of the connections he has made and the warmth he has received. “It’s a building that’s being funded within the community by donors and financial supporters large and small,” Levine said. “I have enthusiastically supported the expansion of the facility since the beginning stages.”
He explained that being a member has given him a different perspective, and helped him realize what is important in religion.
“It means that I’m a part of something bigger than myself, giving back to the community and ensuring that your religion continues,” Levine said. “It’s also a chance to grow and flourish into the future, and that everybody has an opportunity to learn about their religion.”
“I’m most looking forward to seeing our community come together in this beautiful new space,” Tenenboim wrote. “We envision the Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett as a beacon of warmth, inclusivity, and Jewish pride.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the Hewlett community. “I would like to add that we are so grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from our beautiful community and look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with everyone,” he wrote.
To donate to the center, go to TinyUrl.com/v96ew6bp.
