Planned Expansion Gives Chabad of GA Room to Grow

Chabad of Georgia has officially placed a 7.5-acre property located at 4945 High Point Road NE, Sandy Springs, under contract.

Rabbi Isser New, associate director of Chabad of Georgia, stated, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that really fell into our lap … a major step forward that opens the door to extraordinary growth and endless possibilities for our community. This seven-acre [property] is rare and gives us room not just to grow but to dream, build, and create a true community hub that nurtures Jewish life at every age and stage.”

Some of the proposed development ideas include: A full K–12 Jewish day school campus; expanded preschool facilities; robust summer camp campus; dedicated CTeen center and teen lounge; youth programming spaces and activity centers; community gym; indoor sports courts; outdoor sports fields; recreational space for children; multi-purpose event space; community gathering spaces; Chesed and outreach center; after-school enrichment programs; holiday festival grounds; retreat-style Shabbaton and community event space; and walking paths and open green space for families.

On March 25, Rabbi Yossi New, senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Tefillah (CBT) and regional director of Chabad of Georgia, and son, Isser, conducted an open house to view the property. The latter emphasized that the immediate focus is closing on the $4 million purchase, targeted for early June. He stated, “We are assembling a dedicated building committee. Over the next eight to 12 months, they will evaluate zoning and building opportunities, conduct feasibility studies, engage architects and planners, develop a comprehensive master community plan, and conclude with a phased development strategy.”

Rabbi Isser New addressed the Wednesday evening group by remembering his late grandfather from Australia who was a tremendous help more than 40 years ago when CBT was just starting out. He shared how the needs have now changed with the shul running out of space to have more minyans, and with 40 children now registered for first grade and needing room to grow long-term.

Rabbi Isser New took questions which included zoning considerations yet to be determined and recognized Sandy Springs City Councilman Andy Chinsky. He concluded, “We want to make CBT the center of the Sandy Springs community which is missing a JCC. Think of summer camp, Shabbatons, families and kids playing on yontiffs and Shabbos, to gather in a warm safe neighborhood … flag football, a soccer field.”

Rabbi Isser New called Ian Ratner and Charlie Garfunkel to put together a contract. Rabbi New revealed that $250,000 was put down to secure the contract, and Howard Solomon signed for the earnest money “to push us past the finish line.”

Rabbi Yossi New said, “This project is reflective of the growth of Chabad worldwide, today, recognized as the most dynamic Jewish force in the world. Chabad stands for a proud and unapologetic Judaism. This educational and recreational center will produce our future generations of Jews who will be very well educated in Torah and general studies. Our children will also be well equipped to enter into general society with Jewish pride and strength.”

Rabbi Isser New concluded, “This is here. We don’t have all the answers. We will dig deep into our pockets to raise the money in an upcoming major campaign.”

To get involved, please email office@chabadga.com.