Lakewood Ranch Plans Growth

By Herald Tribune

The Chabad of Bradenton’s home in a former bank building changes daily, but not in the way that Rabbi Mendy Bukiet intended.

The Jewish center’s staff is forced to constantly re-arrange tables, chairs and materials to accommodate the Chabad’s several outreach programs.

Bukiet, the Chabad rabbi for five years, hopes to find a permanent, larger home for those services to continue and expand in a new Jewish community center in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

The rabbi plans to purchase land for the center in the East Manatee community within the next year, but first needs to raise the money. Bukiet did not want to specify a monetary goal for the center.

“We’re still in the middle of putting our dreams to paper,” he said. “But from that point on, we just want to keep growing as fast as we can.”

A site in the area of Lorraine Road and State Road 70, near the Greenbrook neighborhood, is being considered as a potential location, said Schroeder-Manatee Ranch president Rex Jensen.

There are more than 20 religious institutions in Lakewood Ranch, but other than Chabad, there are no alternative Jewish offerings.

An Jensen, president of the firm that developed Lakewood Ranch.

“Religion is a very important part of the community,” Jensen said. “To me, it’s part of the infrastructure like roads and schools are.”

Chabad is currently operating out of the former First Priority Bank building at 11509 Palmbrush Trail.

A regular Saturday service draws up to 50 people, but holiday programs attract hundreds, Bukiet said.

“We have to squeeze everyone in, which can get a little interesting,” he said.

The new center would feature a Hebrew school, a preschool, kosher kitchens for events and a main temple area, which could double as a social hall.

The center would also host youth programs.

“Teens and Jewish children can relax in the evening in a safe and positive environment,” he said.

Adult education and the study of Judaism would be promoted at the center through additional programs and a library.

“The need is greatly there,” Bukiet said. “The center would be a place where every single Jew, no matter what level their holding, could find something.”

Lakewood Ranch resident Elaine Nutlay, a member of the Hadassah SaBra chapter, said the group would likely use the community center for events and meetings.

“We need something out here,” she said. “There is a lack of meeting space, and we have 100 to 150 people at each event.”

The kosher kitchen and social hall would also be a welcome option to replace the use of country clubs and other restaurants that have limited kosher preparation, she said.

The fundraising campaign to build the center kicks off at a cocktail party and auction the evening of Jan. 13 at the Polo Grill & Bar.