This Page is Under Construction
We’re adding more details, visuals, and ways to connect. For now, consider this a sneak peek into something beautiful in the making.
Who We Are
For over twenty years, the Chabad Jewish Center has been a home away from home for the Jews of Needham, Dedham, Dover and Westwood. Through countless hours of celebrating, learning, and connecting, we’ve become more than just a community; We are a family.
Now our vibrant, diverse, and ever-growing family needs a home to accommodate it. A place where every person, no matter their background or affiliation, feels comfortable to explore their heritage and faith. A place which will help strengthen their Jewish identity and knowledge. Join us as we embark on a mission to build our united Jewish future. Join us as we build a place which will serve as a beacon of light in a dark world.
Our mission is:
To promote Jewish identity, pride, and continuity,
To advance the knowledge, awareness and observance of Judaism among all segments of the community,
To extend a helping hand to all in need,
To educate the world about universal ethics and morality
And make the world a brighter place – one Mitzvah at a time.
The Chabad Jewish Center is the go-to destination for all things Jewish. From meaningful synagogue services to delicious Shabbos meals, from lively kids and Teen events to fascinating adult classes, from exciting holiday programs to hands-on educational experiences for children.
Our current facility, which we purchased over 20 years ago, is simply inadequate to serve the community in keeping with our mission and goals. That leaves us with one option: Expansion!
The Need
Across the country, Chabad is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to Pew Research, 38% of American Jews have engaged with Chabad in some form, and a remarkable 75% of those participants do not identify as Orthodox, highlighting Chabad’s broad and inclusive reach. Nationally, the number of Chabad centers in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2001, making it the fastest-growing Jewish presence in North America.
This reflects a powerful and ongoing shift: more Jews—regardless of background or denomination—are seeking meaningful, personal, and consistent Jewish engagement, and they are finding it through Chabad.
In Needham, as in many communities across the country, this growing demand underscores the importance of expanding our physical space to meet the demand for a future of steady growth.
Why Now?
Just a few years ago, a neo-Nazi set the Chabad Jewish Center on fire with the goal of burning us to the ground. Instead, he ignited our passion to build even bigger, brighter, and better than before.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, who inspired the founding of the Chabad Jewish Center, taught that the Jewish response to darkness is light. Our response to the arson attack and the recent rise of antisemitism is to build a physical and visual symbol of Jewish life and celebration, shining light and spreading kindness and love in a dark world.
In August of 2023, with G-d's help and the support of a few very generous benefactors, we were able to purchase a large piece of land on Central Avenue in Needham. Now, after months of planning, we are ready to build! But we can’t do it without your continued partnership.
The Vision
We now have an amazing opportunity: to create a space in the physical sphere where spirituality can be manifest fulfilling the sacred commandment to build a dwelling place for G-d. In Judaism that sacred space includes more than just the synagogue but includes every facet of this center for Jewish life.
What makes a place feel like home?
Home is where the aroma of freshly baked challah greets you at the door.
Home is where the sound of laughter can be heard echoing down the halls.
Home is where you know you belong—and will always receive a warm welcome.
The New Campus will be a wonderful full-service community complex for Jewish living. It will include an array of components which will enhance Jewish life.
Shul / Sanctuary – At the Chabad Jewish Center there is no "synagogue," only a Shul. A "Shul," Yiddish for a place of prayer and study, is more of a home than a synagogue ... a home for any Jew looking for a warm and spiritual place to grow and study.
Social Hall – A beautiful space where the Jewish community can come together to celebrate Shabbat, holidays and life cycle events whether it be a Bris a Bar or bat Mitzvah, a wedding etc.
Outdoor Recreation Area – This will give children a place to play and enjoy the outdoors.
Library and Learning Center – The Jewish people are called the people of the book and a library of Torah books is a vital community asset. The Torah is called the Torah of life, this will be a place of learning and living Judaism.
Rooftop Patio – A wonderful relaxing rooftop for smaller events and for people to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.
Hospitality Center – One of the pillars of Judaism is to welcome guests. Whether to join a family simcha, for a business trip or to visit a local hospital, our guests will have the benefit of beautiful accommodations.
Community Mikvah - The Mikvah is the touchstone of Jewish life and the portal to the Jewish future. The Mikvah will be a welcoming "sacred space" for all Jewish women of the community.
Green Space – a serene quiet space to find tranquility.
Recreation Room – A room that will accommodate arts and crafts, painting and hands on learning activities for all ages.
Children Learning Center – This will include a suite of classrooms for Hebrew School and other classes.
Kosher Kitchen & Dining – A facility which will include separate kitchens for dairy and meat which will provide the community with Kosher food in many creative ways.