Couple Returns to Charlotte

Charlotte Observer

Being involved in Jewish life has always been a part of Leah Levin’s life. Growing up in Charlotte, her parents have been respected members of the Jewish community, who created the Charlotte Jewish Day School.

That is why, after returning to her hometown of Charlotte after living up north for a few years, Leah, 27, and her husband, Rabbi Yisroel Levin, 29, decided to start the Ballantyne Jewish Center. The Levin’s recognized a need to serve Jewish residents of the Ballantyne area and were eager to meet that need. The center is run under the auspices of the Chabad organization.

Chabad is the world’s leading Jewish organization, with more than 200,000 members. Levin’s father is the founder of the Charlotte Chabad House, so she is familiar with the positive impact Chabad can bring to a community.

Starting in 2008, they first ran the center out of their home, welcoming anyone who wanted to join. As attendance increased, so did the need for a larger space, which led them to the current location at 8632 Bryant Farms Road. The place needed a lot of work, but had potential. The Levins and many volunteers worked on the renovations for months, finally opening it in April.

In a few years, the Ballantyne Jewish Center has been able to bring a variety of services and activities to the community they serve. They are also focused on developing more programs to address the cultural, educational and religious needs of the community.

Although Chabad is an orthodox organization, they welcome everyone, regardless of their degree of religious observance. In fact, the only orthodox members are the Levins.

In a short time, the Levins have been able to develop a tight community among Jewish families in the Ballantyne area.

“They welcome anyone as if they are family – no matter whether they have hardly ever been involved in Judaism or those who are well versed,” said Danile Gold, a member. “Everyone who walks through the door immediately feels comfortable and ‘at home.’ It’s a rare talent, especially when it comes to religion, but it’s a sign of their remarkable warmth, openness, and leadership.”

They celebrate Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, with services once a month and by sharing a meal afterward. This draws about 50 adults and 20 children, and growing.

In the future, they plan to make this a weekly event. Children are a big part of the activities at the Ballantyne Jewish Center. They have a Hebrew School as well as several other programs for children. Many activities for both kids and adults revolve around the Jewish holidays.

Upcoming events include a chance for kids to make their own shofar (a horn used in Jewish ceremonies) an afterschool cooking class and a women’s circle. Their biggest event is an annual Hanukkah bowling party that involves games, food and menorah lighting.

As the Ballantyne Jewish Center grows, the Levins plan to expand the adult education programs, holiday programs and women’s programs. They also hope to get volunteers involved as needed.

The Levins live in Ballantyne with their two young children.