Let's Get it Straight - Chabad Community Campus

Perhaps the greatest conversation starter in Agoura Hills over the past few months has been the new Chabad Community Campus.

Back in May, members of the greater Conejo Valley Jewish community in Southern California gathered at the construction site behind the Chabad's existing center at 30345 Canwood St. in Agoura Hills. Celebrating the laying of the new home of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Conejo's foundation, the names of 104 supporters were sealed in a time-capsule within the structure's cement core.

Today, rumors have swirled of debt and construction lag. But Agoura Hills Patch is finally going to get it straight. 

The New Foundation

The major capital campaign to build the New Chabad of the Conejo Community Campus at the site of its current Agoura Hills center began in January 2010. The new campus would enable the organization to increase enrollment of its Hebrew School, Hebrew High and adult education programs, and also increase the capacities at community events and Shabbat services. The development would occur in two phases: the construction of a new Center for Jewish Life on the empty lot and the demolition of the existing building in front to erect a new synagogue. 

Funding

Back in May, 104 members of the Conejo Valley Jewish community contributed $500 each, raising a total of $52,000 to fund the center's new foundation. Since January 2010, Chabad has raised just over one million. They need to raise an additional two million dollars for completion of both Phase I and II, according to Rabbi Moshe Bryski, executive director of Chabad of the Conejo.

What's Really Happening?

The new Center for Jewish Life is expected to be completed in by March 2011, said Bryski. That will be followed by a remodeling of the existing center, which is expected to take another eight months, and the construction of Phase II: The new Chabad Sanctuary and Lecture Hall. The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.5 million.