Excitement is building as construction continues at the Firehouse, transforming it into the permanent home of the Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens. This week, we passed the plumbing, concrete infill and termite inspections as well as the preliminary roof inspections.
As we speak, the construction crew is working on replacing the old roof with a brand new roof, securing the building with maximum protection! By early next week, they will be laying out the new roof tiles securing the exterior of the building and allowing the work to continue inside.
The Chabad Building Project became even more meaningful this week with a surprise announcement from theIsraeli Foreign ministry. Due to a strike of the union representing consular workers, Israel embassy workers around the world will not issue visas to tourists and Israelis traveling abroad will be unable to enjoy consular services, except in the case of “major emergencies”.
For those Israelis abroad who do need help, the Ministry had some advice:'Find your nearest Chabad House'.
Indeed, when Mort Nussbaum, a member of our community was recently enjoying a cup of coffee with Shabtai Shavit, former head of the Mossad (Israel Secret Service) at his home, the conversation suddenly turned to Chabad and the 'nice Rabbi and Rebbetzin that they are friendly with at home'.
Mort was shocked to hear the head of the world's most advanced spy agency tell him: '' My respect for Chabad knows no limits. Back at the company (Mossad), we are the most advanced but not the largest network. The Chabad Houses are almost in every country in the world. Whenever we need a base, we would always turn to Chabad. More, I cannot reveal...'.
Chabad has earned its reputation as a place for every single Jew to feel welcome and at home. All Jews are welcomed with love and without precondition or judgement. Just the way you are! Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testifies to this in this short YouTube videoas he speaks about my great grandfather, founder of the Chabad movement!
But the strength of a Chabad House is only as strong as the will of its supporters! 
We cannot complete this construction project without your help. Donations large and small are needed to help turn the dream into a reality. Please help us continue the momentum and create turn the Fire House into a Home of Fire.
Here's how you can help:
- Mail a check to Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens- Building Fund
4106 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens Fl 33410 - Donate online at www.JewishGardens.com/Donate
- Browse the available dedication opportunities at www.JewishGardens.com/
BuildingTheDream - Have a conversation with one of the friendly chairmen of our building committee:
Mitch Zachary: 561-209-1101 - [email protected]
or Michael Paolercio: 914-760-5219 - [email protected]
Whatever your position is, we urge you to give something and participate in this worthy project! We appreciate your support!
Wishing you a Shabbat of mutual responsibility and concern for others,
Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler
Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens
www.JewishGardens.com
But Israel herself, remarkably, feels like any other country I've ever visited, if not safer. Indeed, the State Department was sure to state that safety standards in Israeli Cities are 'comparable to or better than those in other major global cities'.
Perhaps this is why the first thing thirteen million annual visitors see in Israel is a Giant Mezuzah emblazoned with three huge letters: Shin Daled Yud which stands for Shomer Daltot Yisrael- Guardian of the Doors of Israel. If you're wondering how big it is, just ask little Etti- she'll tell you all about it!