Twinsburg's first synagogue to open early next year

April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
Elani Markewitz, 10, left, and sister Nora, 8, watch the writing of the new Torah, which was commissioned for Twinsburg's new synagogue.
Elani Markewitz, 10, left, and sister Nora, 8, watch the writing of the new Torah, which was commissioned for Twinsburg's new synagogue.

TWINSBURG — Those of the Jewish faith will soon have a house of worship in Twinsburg.

The Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg will open in a former office space on Vail Drive sometime early next year, said Rabbi Mendy Greenberg. The center will lease the space, about 1,500 square feet, to host weekly synagogue services, a Hebrew school, its Mom & Me program and holiday programs. This will be the first Jewish center in Twinsburg.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth in the community, and many young families moving,” Greenberg said. “Having no real space to call our own was really hampering activities.”

Any open house events will be announced "when we are closer to the actual opening," Greenberg said.

Rabbi Mendy Greenberg stands outside the future Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg, which will open early next year.
Rabbi Mendy Greenberg stands outside the future Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg, which will open early next year.

Twinsburg Chabad was started in 2017 by Greenberg and his wife Mussie in the couple’s own home, as well as in various rented spaces. But as attendance grew, the Greenbergs realized they needed a larger and more permanent home.

"I grew up in Solon, where my parents run a similar organization, so Twinsburg was a natural pick," Greenberg said. "We had lots of friends in the area, and there weren't any Jewish services being provided, so we decided to answer that need."

Greenberg says the new space might be too small to host the major holiday celebrations, but it will answer the current need for a location for daily and weekly events.

"Some of our events are attended by over 100, while others are on a smaller scale," Greenberg said. He added that Twinsburg Chabad would continue to rent out space as needed for larger events.

A rendering of the interior of the Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg.
A rendering of the interior of the Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg.

In addition to the new space, the community recently commissioned the writing of a new Torah scroll for the synagogue. A Torah is Judaism’s most sacred object, the Bible handwritten by a scribe that is read every Shabbat during services, Greenberg said.

“This will be the first Torah scroll owned by the community," Greenberg said. "Until now, we have been borrowing from other synagogues.”

Twinsburg Chabad is now embarking on a campaign to fund the new construction project, with an immediate goal of $50,000.

“Dedications are available for various parts of the center,” Greenberg said. “Families could dedicate a Torah portion and have their names embroidered on the cover of new Torah.”

“This marks an important stage in our growth,” Greenberg said, “and we are all very excited.”

A rendering of the children's area for the Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg, which will open in a permanent location on Vail Drive.
A rendering of the children's area for the Chabad Jewish Center of Twinsburg, which will open in a permanent location on Vail Drive.

Greenberg described Chabad as a "non-denominational" community for Jewish followers.

"It is attended by Jews of all denominations, while providing a traditional form of Jewish observance," he said.

For details, visit https://www.jewishtwinsburg.com or call 440-465-2063.

Reporter April Helms can be contacted at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Group set to open Twinsburg's first synagogue and Jewish center