Chabad To Open Jewish Center in Colorado’s Horse Country

When Rabbi Benjy and Leah Brackman moved to Westminster in September of last year to head Chabad programs in the NW Metro area they dreamed of purchasing a horse property that would to serve as a Chabad Community Center. But where do you find such a thing in the center of Westminster?

Fast forward eleven months and the dream is fast becoming a reality.

The two acre horse property with a 3,800 sq ft house in the heart of Westminster will be the first ever Jewish community center/synagogue in the NW Metro area. The Center will have space for a sanctuary, classrooms, an office, and two guest rooms that will accommodate guests wanting to spend Shabbat at Chabad.

The property, situated at 4505 W112th Ave between Sheridan and Federal Blvd. is in the middle of the NW Metro Denver housing development corridor that continues to see growth in new residences, from condos to $2.5 million estates. This makes the location perfect for a synagogue., says Rabbi Brackman, who with his wife directs Chabad of NW Metro Denver. “We need to be in the middle of a growing housing market that can fit everyone’s budget. That way people can live close to a synagogue and still afford to buy a house.”

Adjacent to protected open space, the property is next to College Hill Library and Front Range Community College, giving the Center considerable exposure to the general public. “For the first time the NW Jewish community will be able identify a property from among the dozens of churches in their neighborhood and feel proud that here in the NW we have a Jewish Center of our own,” says Brackman.

The Jewish Center currently operates from the home of Rabbi Brackman and is running out of space for the classes, services and Shabbat dinners that have become the hallmark of Chabad. In fact, in the ten months that Chabad has been in the NW the demand for its innovative outreach activities has virtually forced Chabad to look for larger facilities.

With its ability to accommodate expansion as the needs of the community grow, Rabbi Brackman sees much potential in the newly acquired center. Concept plans have already been drawn up for a future 24,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art community center with a 65 space parking lot. For now, the new property will not only provide more space but will also allow for approximately 20 cars on site with additional parking spaces available in two adjacent parking lots. The size and location of the property on a main thoroughfare as opposed to a residential side street will make it easier for Chabad to receive city approval to use the property as a community center.

The down payment for the $589,000 property was raised through the generous support of the NW Jewish community, friends and family members. Plans are set for a grand opening next fall.