Chabad Downtown marked a historic milestone on Oct. 25, with its “Uplift Downtown” launch event, officially kicking off the transformation of a 30,000-square-foot space into a permanent center for Jewish life.
Community leaders, university representatives, students, alumni, parents and supporters gathered for inspiring remarks, a preview of the future center and a symbolic “mini-demolition” to jump-start the transformation.
Since 2017, Chabad Downtown has operated out of various rented locations, providing a welcoming Jewish home away from home for students living off campus.
Its programming includes weekly Shabbat meals, Jewish educational classes, holiday celebrations, student leadership opportunities, Jewish Greek life programming, community service initiatives and more.
“The Lubavitcher Rebbe—Menachem Mendel Schneerson—taught us to uplift every person we encounter. That has been our mission at Chabad Downtown from day one,” said Rabbi Levi Slonim, who co-directs Chabad Downtown with his wife, Hadasa. “This new permanent home will take that mission to an entirely new level, uplifting countless more lives for generations to come.”
The center will serve as a lasting hub for Jewish life, learning and connection for generations of students and the broader Binghamton community.
Chabad Downtown is an affiliate of The Rohr Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University.
For more information and dedication opportunities, visit: UpliftDowntown.com.
