An artistic rendering of the proposed expansion.

Ohio State Chabad to Double Its Space With the Help of the Schottensteins

Columbus Dispatch

The Schottenstein Chabad House at Ohio State University is planning to demolish its current location and rebuild on two lots near campus, doubling its size.

In order to expand, the neighboring property was bought in August for $900,000, according to the Franklin County auditor’s website.

Starting in May, the Chabad House plans to demolish the existing buildings to construct a new center, which at about 20,000 square feet will be nearly double its current size.

The Chabad House at Ohio State was instituted 26 years ago, and donors and others agreed it was time for a renovation, Deitsch said. Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein are helping to fund the expansion, as are alumni, parents and friends of the group.

Inside will be a larger social hall to accommodate the sometimes 200 students who attend events and holiday celebrations, an expanded Jewish library, two kosher kitchens, a larger synagogue, a student lounge, recreation room, offices, classrooms and seven bedrooms for students, parents and guest speakers to stay in temporarily.

The organization is staffed by Rabbi Zalman Deitsch; his wife, Sarah Deitsch; Rabbi Levi Andrusier; his wife, Aviva Andrusier; a sous chef; and an administrative assistant.

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