After seven years of zoning, permitting, construction and approvals, Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens was finally able to celebrate their new home at the former Firehouse on PGA Blvd. Located at the former in the LA Fitness Plaza on the South West Corner of PGA Blvd. and Florida’s Turnpike, the New Shul (Jewish Center) is perfectly nestled in the heart of the residential communities of Palm Beach Gardens.
The Building in which the New Shul is located was formerly Fire Station for the Palm Beach Gardens Fire Department. The Community is fond of saying that they have transformed the 'Fire House' into the 'House of Fire': A Light For Jewish Life and Learning in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Opening Event began at the Former Loehman’s Plaza where Chabad has been located for the past two and a half years. The Community gathered there for a moving ceremony where the three community Torahs were lovingly carried out for the last time. Beneath a wedding canopy, members of the dynamic Shul danced the Torahs from the old location and into their cars. There, a procession of over 40 cars began down PGA Blvd. with the Torahs in open convertibles and live music playing.
Upon arrival at the LA Fitness Plaza, a crowd of almost three hundred people was already waiting to receive the Torahs and welcome them to their new home with paraffin torches illuminating the dusk. Many tears were shed at that moment when the Torahs emerged from the convertibles into Fairview Lane for the first time. But they were tears of joy and relief as the dream of so many had finally come to fruition.
Just like a wedding, the Community Danced with the Torahs beneath the Wedding Canopy with live music until they reached the front door of the Shul. There they posed for a historic Community Photograph.
The Front Door Mezuzahs were affixed with great fanfare by Dovid Krinsky, father of Rebbetzin Chana Vigler and Mitchell Zachary, the Shul Chairman.
A collective gasp was heard when Michael Paolercio, co- chair of the Building Committee, unveiled the stunning ‘Jerusalem of Gold Founders Wall’ in the front lobby of the Shul. The Founders Wall was custom made by world famous Judaica Artist, Michoel Muchnik of New York, who personally flew down to create and install this stunning floor to ceiling masterpiece. It is a fitting tribute for the many generous supporters who made the new Shul a reality.
The Community participated in a spirited Inaugural Friday Night Community Service, that will continue weekly at six pm on Friday Nights. Lighting the Candles was very symbolic as we illuminated the Fire House with the Light of Judaism for the very first time.
Providentially the date of the Opening Shabbat Celebration was June 13, or 6/13, corresponding to the 613 commandments in the Torah. This event was the Soft Opening of the New Center. The Grand Opening Celebration will be held in September as well as an Inaugural Gala Dinner during the Season. More Details to follow.
The Building was dedicated in everlasting memory of Devorah Krinsky, beloved grandmother of Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler, the Shul’s Founders and Spiritual Leaders.
You can learn more about the symbolism of the New Shul, including the Meaning behind the unique Art Glass Windows, in our Welcome Brochure athttp://jewishgardens.com/media/pdf/823/OnSE8232445.pdf
Photo Credit: Alex Axelrod