Chabad of N. Palm Beach Island Wins Council Approval

With a promise to limit the number of congregants to 40 and withdrawal of plans for day care, Rabbi Zalman Levitin and his attorney Brian M. Seymour received the Town Council’s blessing to operate a synagogue at 361 S. County Road.

The lone holdout was Councilman William Diamond, who voted against the proposal. Afterward he explained his rejection was not based on religion.

“Too many people who live in the neighborhood have questions,” Diamond said.

He said he would prefer a full traffic study, a safety study and details on holiday observances.

The special exception request was necessary for the 1,962-square-foot synagogue to operate. The hearing opened with an informal use agreement provided by Levitin and Seymour. The congregation will have access to Bible study classes on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The rabbi said Wednesday night that there will be renovations to the site and it should open to the public in a couple of weeks as Chabad of Northern Palm Beach Island. The synagogue had been holding services at The Chesterfield.

No warm, cooked food will be prepared on site and no amplified sound will be used during gatherings. Seymour said they have no plans for outdoor services.

When questioned about safety, Seymour said Palm Beach Fire-Rescue inspected the space and found no violations or cause for concern.

Though traffic and parking was cited by some in opposition to the proposal, Levitin and Seymour said the idea is for people to walk to services and classes at the synagogue

Rabbi Levitin said the Chabad movement helps to bring people closer by providing a warm and non-judgmental atmosphere.

The new synagogue has one-year options on the property it is leasing for a period of 15 years.

The town received a smattering of letters in support of the new synagogue and some in opposition, citing parking and traffic concerns.

Sue Ellen Clarfeld, owner of Truffies of Palm Beach at 350 S. County Road, said the synagogue will be a positive influence in the community.

“They practice a way of life — how to eat, when to eat,” she said.

The synagogue will not invite guest speakers, which could draw a large crowd, Levitin and Seymour said.

David Rosow, Robert Wildrick, Richard Kleid and Michael Pucillo all voted in favor of the special exception request.

“I believe it’s in the wrong place,” Diamond said.