The Rabbi and Rebbetzin at Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) in Raleigh, North Carolina, are faced with a problem:
They’re running out of space.
It’s a good problem, to be sure. The local Jewish community is growing at a rapid pace as young Jews move to Raleigh for work, study, and to enjoy the high quality of life that the city offers.
Moving to Raleigh from a much larger Jewish community, I was concerned I wouldn’t find a sense of community and Jewish connection. That changed when I joined CYP. From Shabbat dinners, to classes, to holiday events, CYP has become my Jewish family in Raleigh”, says Margarita K.
But programs for YJPs, which take place in the home of Rabbi Zalmy and Mushky Dubinsky, are bursting at the seams.
“We quite literally don’t have space for everyone,” Zalmy Dubinsky explains. “And turning people away is not an option.”
There was only one thing to do: take the leap and buy a building.
An Urban Oasis
As luck would have it, it turns out that the perfect home for CYP Raleigh was a former whiskey distillery, of all places.
Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, the distillery’s exposed bricks, raw wood bar, and incandescent light fixtures give it a warm and rustic feel. It’s the ideal urban oasis, with precisely the alternative-yet-welcoming vibe that draws young professionals in.
But best of all, it’s turnkey ready.
“The only thing we need to do is remove the distillery equipment,” says Dubsinky. “We couldn’t have dreamed of finding such a perfect space already ready for our community.”
The 8,100-square-foot center will allow CYP members to enjoy everything from Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations to a dedicated sanctuary and a 24/7 lounge.
A (First) Shul Downtown
The Shul Downtown, as the new building is dubbed, is the only established Jewish presence in Downtown Raleigh–and the first in the area in decades.
It will revolutionize Jewish life for young professionals in the area, serving as not just a shul, but as a communal hub, coworking space, event hall, and more.
“It’s the kind of space where anyone can stop by at any time, for whatever they need,” explains Dubinsky. “It will allow us to grow as a community in ways beyond imaginable.”
“This new space will be a place that radiates Jewish light in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, and grow this vibrant community in even stronger ways” says Bernardo K.
Closing The Deal
They’ve got the people, they’ve got the building, and they’ve got the vision.
Now, CYP Raleigh is on a mission to raise $1.2 million to bring it all to life. These funds will allow them to finalize the project and transform what was once a distillery into the heart of Jewish life in Raleigh.
Ready to Come Home?
Now, CYP Raleigh invites you to join them in making The Shul Downtown a reality and building a welcoming home where every young Jew in Raleigh can find a sense of belonging.
This is shul, reimagined.
This is a Jewish home downtown.
And thanks to you, young Jews in Raleigh are finding their way home.
Visit charidy.com/growtime to learn more about the campaign or make a contribution.
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Godspeed.
Gorgeous ppl