Propelled by a dream of a visually stunning and largescale synagogue, Rabbi Mendy Deitsch and members of the Chandler Chabad congregation have worked tirelessly over the last 10 years to make that dream a reality. The new Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life at McClintock and Ray Roads in Chandler is a now a dramatic cornerstone of the community, poised to offer a myriad of religious services, inspiring classes, special events and engaging social activities.A key player in the building’s success is local real estate icon, Michael Pollack, whose generous donations paved the way for the project’s eventual success. Generous donations were also made by congregation members and members of the local community.
“Pollack has been a good friend and supporter of Chabad for many years,” says Deitsch. “He is an incredible individual and a great visionary. He understands and appreciates Jewish continuity, and he has a passion for ensuring the Jewish community remains strong and vibrant.”
The most salient architectural feature of this 15,900-square-foot, Mediterranean-themed building is a 36-foot-high octagonal tower containing 24 windows. Inside, a handsome hand-carved arc with a walnut finish and brass recessed doors adorns the sanctuary underneath the tower. Other highlights to marvel at include a rotunda over the foyer, gold-leaf ceiling tiles, marble tile in the foyer, cornice moldings and an elegant three-tiered crystal chandelier in the lobby. The synagogue will also contain a huge kitchen, library, gift shop, conference rooms and six classrooms replete with state-of-the art security systems. Weddings and other celebrations can be accommodated easily in the elegant and airy 450-seat sanctuary, which doubles as a ballroom. Attractive plants and flowers in the large backyard help create outdoor ambiance, perfectly suited for garden parties, school events or receptions.
“We’ve already received calls from people all over the country and even around the world who are excited about this project,” says Deitsch. “We think it will be a gem in the East Valley. It will not only bring Jews closer to Judaism, but also bring a tremendous sense of pride to the Jewish community. I see it as a sign that Judaism is strong, thriving and empowering. That is what this building is all about.”
Although the 10-year road to this stunning new building was paved with occasional setbacks, financial hurdles and arduous work, the dream was always on course. The original synagogue was housed in the home of the rabbi and his wife, Shternie. Before long, hotels, preschools and other synagogues were needed to accommodate the ever-expanding activities such as Purim parties, Hanukkah parties, seders, High Holiday services and summer camps. “The community here was young, beautiful and growing, but there was a tremendous void – we needed a place to call home,” says Deitsch.
Congregants such as seven-year member Corinne Haller are excited as well. “This beautiful building will make the whole prayer experience more sacred. It has a spiritual ambiance and a warm, community feel, even though it is much larger in scale than our previous building. It’s a real shul now.”
The Chabad Center is the perfect place to embrace the New Year. In concert with their welcoming philosophy, High Holiday regular seating will be open to all, in addition to reserved seating. “We have a partnership with our families, and we want everyone here to feel they are part of creating a positive atmosphere,” explains Deitsch. “We also want everyone to feel joy and happiness and have a feeling of ownership. Our goal is to create an incredibly warm environment for everyone who comes.”
Creating events that are spiritually motivating and also fun for families has always been a trademark of Chabad.To reach out to affiliated and non-affiliated Jews, the synagogue hosts a multitude of creative events throughout the year, such as the “Hanukkah on Ice” party – a particularly popular event at Chandler’s Polar Ice skating rink; an ice menorah is lit in the Polar Ice lobby and then brought out onto the ice. Another event geared to bring awareness to Chabad and delight those in the community is a Hanukkah car parade. Congregants put menorahs on top of their cars and drive throughout the East Valley to spread the miracle of Hanukkah. Last year’s event culminated with the lighting of a 6-foot menorah at Tempe Town Lake.
The combination of colorful events, uplifting spiritual services and a dazzling new building will undoubtedly add a new and exciting dimension to the East Valley Jewish community. “This building turned out more beautiful than I ever imagined,” says Deitsch. “It was one thing to see it on paper and another thing to see it come to life in all its beauty, surpassing my imagination. A congregant often jokes with me. He says, ‘You wanted a Taj Mahal on a poor man’s budget.’ I am happy to say we have achieved that!” The grand opening of the Pollack Chabad Center at 875 N. McClintock Road will be 11 am, Aug. 18, and will feature food, music, ribbon cutting and affixing a mezuzah. Local politicians are expected to attend.
Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life | 875 N. McClintock Dr. | Chandler 480-855-4333
Melissa Hirschl is an Arizona freelance writer.
