Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - January 2022

J a n u a r y 2 0 2 2 | Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S 23 give out to people who might need a boost or just as a gesture of love,” Sarah says. According to the website, “The Chabad Jewish Center of Jupiter was founded with an over-arching vision. Although Jews may embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for everyone - no labels, no affiliations - to develop a sense of community, to enhance the experience of being Jewish, to learn and to have fun. With tolerance, sincerity and deeply rooted values, Chabad can help you find that Jewish Center in your heart. Everyone is welcome to participate in an exciting voyage - to discover the rich heritage.” Chabad of Jupiter is a community that is fueled by love, warmth and a passion for all people. It is a house for education, spirituality, goodness and kindness. “We recognize the innate goodness in humankind and seek to inspire and empower all people to maximize their potential on life's journey - with joy, passion, and enthusiasm,” Sarah says. Since 2003, Chabad co-founders Rabbi Berel and Sarah Barash have been hosting events, teaching Torah classes, and organizing Shabbat dinners at locations all across town. What started as a mom-and-pop operation is now a thriving hub of young and old people seeking connection with one another and their Jewish identity. As Jupiter grew, so did the Chabad Jewish center, quickly becoming an anchoring element of the local Jewish community. Taking notice of the incredible growth potential as folks inquired about moving in from all across the country, the Barashes realized they had a unique opportunity to purchase land and set down roots. With the help of local philanthropists, and spearheaded by the Spiegel family, they secured what would become the site of the new Chabad center and began to build a home for the Jews of Jupiter. Their foresight and investment paid off; and is nearly ready to serve the growing community. The new campus, which is located in Abacoa, features modern amenities and beautiful spaces designed to cater to the needs of the community. The building has been steadily taking shape, heralding a new future. The community is invited to learn more at www.jewishjupiter.com. The family lives in Paseos. “I always tell my husband that if I could choose to live anywhere in the world, Jupiter would still be my first choice. I get to live in my dream town.” Berel discovered Jupiter and their first visit was at the end of 2003. “We fell in love with the people and the town and moved to our first home in Osceola Woods in Abacoa in November 2003,” Sarah shares. “We choose where we live based on proximity to work or school or because we fall in love with the view, but really, there is a Divine reason we live near particular people. It’s up to us to discover the why.” Sarah comes from a large family of eleven siblings, so the family enjoys an annual trip to Buffalo for a reunion. Although, recent trips planned to Israel and Buffalo have had to be postponed due to the pandemic. The children are involved in tennis, basketball, art, design and piano. Their oldest daughter is studying abroad in Israel and their son chose to study in New York at an advanced Jewish High School in Westchester. Their sons are big Dolphins fans - even though Sarah is a Bills fan. They also love the Miami Heat and enjoy attending games from time to time. Their family motto can be summed up in one word: Gratitude. Sarah says, “Every morning we say thank you to God for a new day. It helps us begin the day feeling more centered and less stressed. At this point our children say it on their own while they are still under their covers. But the one idea that resonates deeply within our children is that ‘everything is divinely orchestrated for our greater good’. It helps us not sweat the small stuff. If something breaks or doesn’t work out, after their initial disappointment they remind themselves that there’s a better plan out there. It is liberating to let go and let God create something better than what was.” RESIDENT FEATURE