New Hampshire’s Jewish community turned out last Sunday to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new facility that will become home to Chabad’s programs and services.  Upon completion, the Chabad Center for Jewish Living will feature New Hampshire’s first state-of-the-art mikvah, a synagogue, and a library with a stone hearth fire place.

According to Rabbi Levi Krinsky, director of Chabad Lubavitch of New Hampshire, the new center will reflect the unique style and needs of New Hampshire’s Jewish community.

“In planning the center we sought to capture the New England atmosphere,” Krinsky says. “We want to build a cozy place where every Jew can feel comfortable.”

Here since 1990, the Krinskys have been making many feel comfortable. Richard Winneg, a distinguished, longtime activist for Jewish causes in New Hampshire,  spoke warmly of the contribution that Chabad is making to the city’s Jewish life.

“Chabad offers activities that are attracting a following of people who don’t participate in any of the other Jewish activities here,” he said.”Many of the families here with young children will gravitate to the Chabad House,” to benefit from Chabad’s unique educational and social programming.

The groundbreaking event drew the participation of other philanthropists and activists prominent in the New Hampshire Jewish community. Among them, the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire Jeff Fladen, and Dr. David Stahl, treasurer and past president of the Federation. Hard to miss were the many children—at least 100—the promise of a great future for this growing community. 

Located near two of Manchester’s educational centers, Southern New Hampshire University and the Derryfield School, the new center will play an integral role in Chabad’s Jewish educational and identity-building efforts. The new building will also house the Gan Israel summer camp. Situated near destinations frequented during the autumn “Leaf-Peeping” and winter skiing season, the center will welcome travelers in need of religious services.

Rabbi Yehudah Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos L'inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad movement, attended the groundbreaking and the Lag B’omer celebration.

“Today we commemorate the life and work of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai,” Rabbi Krinsky said, referring to the first-century mystic and author of the Zohar who is remembered on Lag B’omer, which coincided with the groundbreaking.

“Just as this celebration is one that unites Jews across the world, the new home of Chabad in New Hampshire will serve as part of a global network uniting Jews in the growth of their religious identity.”

Stephen Singer, President of Merchants Automotive Group, one of the premier car-dealerships in America, and Chairman of Chabad’s Building Campaign, also offered greetings.

“The new building is vital to the continued existence of the Jewish community in the state of New Hampshire,” Singer later told Lubavitch.com. “Rabbi Levi and Shternie Krinsky have exceeded everyone's expectations in their work here. This latest undertaking will serve to continue their mission and calling.”