Chabad of San Antonio Breaks Ground for New Center

What a beautiful and exciting day it was! The Groundbreaking and Cornerstone ceremony was attended by close to 150 people from throughout the community. Community rabbis, leaders of local Jewish Organizations and young and old alike gathered for a special moment in the history of Chabad.

Elaine Cohen, chairperson of the Building Committee emceed the event and welcomed the crowd. She then invited Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, Regional Director of Chabad of Texas onto the podium. Rabbi Lazaroff read the text of a telegram he received from the Rebbe of blessed memory in 1977 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Chabad Center in Texas.

State Senator Leticia Van de Putte offered blessings and greetings on behalf of the State of Texas followed by Mitch Michelson, president of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio who wished Chabad Mazel Tov on behalf of the Jewish Community. Executive Director of Chabad of South Texas, Rabbi Chaim Block reflected on the growth of Chabad in the last 26 years and the excitement of moving forward in the construction of the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life. He also thanked Steve & Elaine Cohen, many of the donors to the new center, volunteers, members of the Building Committee and the construction personnel for all their help and efforts.

Elie & Cathie Guggenheim, Youval & Dena Gal, Dr. Larry Cohen, and Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Block, all who have been part of Chabad since its founding 26 years ago, then proceeded to place a stone from the old Chabad House into a special glass display case. These stones will be part of a special tribute in the new center.

Finally, everyone was invited to put on the construction hats and take a shovel and pose for a “Construction Picture”. Delicious refreshments were then enjoyed by all.