Chabad of West Cobb settles in

by John McCurdy, Staff Writer: JMcCurdy@atljewishtimes.com

In just more than four years, Chabad Jewish Center of West Cobb has gone from idea to work-in-progress to bricks-and-mortar, as on Dec. 11, 2011, Rabbi Zalman Charytan, wife Nechami, their two children and ever-growing congregation celebrated the move into a permanent facility off Wade Green Rd. in Kennesaw.

But even with a physical location, this Chabad house isn’t transitioning into a traditional shul. Rabbi Charytan focuses more on providing a variety of opportunities to connect with other Jews in an area relatively distant from Atlanta’s Jewish institutions.

“While the South and Atlanta are very synagogue-oriented, I wouldn’t say our Chabad is primarily a synagogue,” the rabbi explained. “In this corner of Northwest Cobb, there are plenty of Jews, but not heavily concentrated as they are in other parts of town.

“So we see our primary function as a place where people can come and get involved in Jewish life on any level, be it social, religious or educational.”

While the rabbi is modest about success thus far, without a doubt a turnout of more than 200 through the High Holy Days and a Hebrew school student body of 30 demonstrate that the interest and desire for Jewish learning and life is strong in the region. Weekly classes, holiday programs (like the popular Grand Menorah Lighting in Woodstock) and Shabbat dinners at the Charytans’ house are casual, inviting entry points for folks of all ages.

The rewards of spirituality, fellowship and new friends are priceless for those like Lindsey Walker, who before faced a 45-minute drive to participate in Jewish activities but now has a “go-to place” for Jewish life.

“It’s interesting; I [previously] didn’t think any Jews lived out here besides me,” Walker chuckled, echoing the assumption many others apparently made as well. “Once Chabad got here and people started finding out about it, all of a sudden Jews had a way to come together.”

The Chabad philosophy that every Jew is a member by birthright removes denominational barriers, while the warmth and welcoming of the Charytans helps to relieve any pressure one might feel due to other affiliations (belonging to another temple is perfectly acceptable) or long lapses in observance.

Having a place to call home – especially one outfitted by congregants themselves, as all are chipping in to furnish the space – only enhances the accessibility.

“So now when we go to Chabad, we’re going to our house that we helped build,” Walker said with a smile.

Rabbi Charytan sees more growth from here.

“What we’ve found since we’ve gotten the place is that a lot more of the people who might have been sitting on the fence are getting involved,” he said, crediting David Birnbrey, Michael Lipton and Craig Mendel for their help in securing the facility. “We’re a place on the map now, and that brings a sense of permanence.”