Chabad purchases permanent facility

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The odds certainly were stacked against Rabbi Mendy Bukiet and Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

Bukiet and his wife, Chanie, started the Lakewood Ranch-based Jewish organization in 2004 — at the height of the East County’s real estate boom and just before its economic collapse. At the time, the fledgling organization had no home, so the Bukiets opened their living room for Chabad use.

But from those modest beginnings came one of the area’s largest Jewish communities.

And now, Lakewood Ranch Chabad members finally will have a home to call their own.

The organization purchased recently five acres of land along with a 2,300-square-foot home at 5712 Lorraine Road for $500,000. Russ Tilton, of RE/MAX Alliance Group, facilitated the sale.

The property and building, which will be called Chabad House, should be ready for Chabad use by May, Mendy Bukiet said.

“It’s a large enough facility, and it’s a beautiful piece of property,” he said of the new location. “It’s close to State Road 70 and in an area that Lakewood Ranch will call the center of town one day. (The property and house) fit our needs perfectly.”

To begin, Chabad will renovate the existing structure to make it suitable for the organization’s programs, including classes, services, dinners and more. But with five acres, the property also is large enough for Chabad to construct a bigger facility when necessary.

Despite the struggling economy, Mendy Bukiet said Chabad experienced steady growth throughout its first six years. And, thanks to the dedication and donations of Chabad’s members, the organization was able to form an advisory committee to locate and purchase the property.

Next month, Chabad will continue its fundraising campaign with its Annual Auction and Cocktail Party Feb. 27 at The Polo Grill and Bar on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Then, the organization plans to host a grand-opening celebration when Chabad House opens in May.

“God works in mysterious ways,” Mendy Bukiet said. “God-willing, we will be open by the end of May. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but we will make it happen.”

Contact Michael Eng at [email protected].

CHABAD’S ANNUAL AUCTION AND COCKTAIL PARTY
WHEN: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 27
WHERE: The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
CONTACT: 752-3030 or www.chabadofbradenton.com