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Ground broken on new Chabad House community center
by Sentinel
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MONROE — During the nearly 10 years of renting space on the corner of Applegarth and Prospect Plains roads, the community of the Chabad House of Monroe has grown significantly. 
In response to this growth, the community gathered for an official groundbreaking ceremony for the Howard H. Berger Chabad Community Center on Nov. 18.
Rabbi Yehuda Spritzer said the facility is expected to be ready in June 2013.
He praised the facility’s namesake, Berger, who was a prominent supporter of the Chabad House and its mission. Spritzer said Berger’s children continue his legacy of faith and support since his passing.
“It really is by the community, for the community,” Spritzer said. “Our entire organization survives on donations.
The facility, which will be located at 324 Applegarth Road and is the result of five years of reflection and planning, will consist of a synagogue, social hall for holidays and other celebrations, Hebrew school, library and administrative office space. 
With the past growth of the population in mind, Spritzer noted that the facility was structured in a way that it could be expanded in the future if the need should arise.
While the faith community has been vital, more support is needed, he added. 
“We still need to raise quite a bit more money, and we’re hopeful that we will be able to do so and not have a mortgage that will be too big,” he said.
“It’s really exciting and heartwarming to see the outpouring of donations from people,” he added. “Whether it’s $18, $18,000 or $180,000, whatever it may be, people are doing their part.”
In addition to financial support, Spritzer said he was energized by the more than 120 people who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, even though it had been rescheduled after Hurricane Sandy.
For more information on the Chabad House, visit www.chabadhousemonroe.com, and for dedication opportunities for the new community center, call 609-409- 1000
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