Chabad Center on Florida’s Gulf Coast Has New Home

After meeting more than seven years in living rooms, or in rented space at schools and office buildings, Chabad Jewish Center of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch finally has a home of its own.

“A major, major milestone,” said Rabbi Mendy Bukiet as members gathered Sunday for the grand opening of the new worship facility on five acres at 5712 Lorraine Road, “It’s very exciting, it’s wonderful, it’s ours.”

Bukiet had already met The Rev. Dan Witte at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, located just a short stroll from the Chabad.

Witte and his congregation also started in rented space before finally building their own sanctuary.

The two congregations have agreed to help each other with their overflow parking.

Husband and wife team Frank and Miriam Rodriguez were directing drivers to parking on Sunday, sending some to Risen Savior and others to Chabad’s parking area.

“No more wandering Jew, we are here to stay,” Miriam Rodriguez said with a big smile.

The Chabad is a place where Jews of all persuasions are welcome and should feel comfortable, Bukiet said.

Dr. Steve Shapiro, one of the congregation’s prime movers in getting the worship center built, said that the new center is a place where all can share in the Judaic spirit of caring, community and love.

He compared Judaism to a buffet and urged members to “indulge yourselves.”

A phrase heard frequently was “mazel tov,” literally good stars or good luck.

Among those wishing the congregation mazel tov was Candice McElyea, representing developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

“What an outstanding accomplishment,” McElyea told the crowd.

Many of those who attended the open house credited Rabbi Bukiet and his wife Chanie for providing the inspiration and passion to make the Chabad possible.

“They walk the walk. They don’t just talk the talk,” said Lauren Vallone.

Another member, Mark Walzer, said the Chabad has traditional services, and the congregation is warm and friendly.

Frank Rodriguez grew up as a Catholic in the Dominican Republic, and remembered his mother lighting candles every Friday night, and he wondered why.

“It’s a long story Frank,” she would tell him.

He later discovered that his family had been practicing Jews until forced to convert during the Spanish Inquisition.

Rodriguez eventually converted to the faith of his ancestors.

“I have been practicing the Jewish faith for 20 years,” he said between parking cars.

One of the Chabad’s benefactors, Nathan Benderson, joined Bukiet in saying a blessing at the front door of the temple and attaching a mezuzah to the door post.

The mezusah contained Hebrew verse from the Torah.

Members then jammed inside to enjoy refreshments and desserts.

The new center is designed as a multi-use facility to provide educational, social, cultural, and religious services.