New Westlake Jewish center to host High Holiday services in September

Rabbi Mendel and Devorah Jacobs are the directors of the new Chabad Center in Westlake.

The local Jewish population has a new place to congregate with the opening of a Jewish center in Westlake, serving the western suburbs of Cleveland. “Chabad of the West Side” is now in operation, featuring Jewish education for adults and children, and Jewish cultural and social events.

“We are ecstatic about this new milestone,” says Rabbi Mendel Jacobs, who will be directing the center along with his wife, Devorah.

After their marriage in 2014, the couple has taken up this post offered to them by the regional directors of Chabad’s global Jewish outreach movement in Northeast Ohio, Rabbi Leibel and Devorah Alevsky.

“Chabad seeks to engage Jews all over the world to explore their own heritage by offering the beauty and richness of Judaism with a pleasant and non-judgemental approach,” Jacobs explains. “This is the way the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory taught us; in his speeches and by his example of selfless dedication to his people.”

Programs will be based out of their home on Canterbury Road, but for the upcoming High Holidays in September, Chabad is renting facilities at the Westlake Recreation Center, 28955 Hilliard Blvd.

A meaningful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service is planned, open to all. Rosh Hashanah this year occurs on Sept. 14 and 15; Yom Kippur is on Sept. 22 and 23.

“We’re expecting a nice turnout,” Jacobs says. “Based on the response we’ve received so far; it’s been only positive!”

Visit jewishwestside.com to sign up and reserve a seat, and learn about the additional programs and services offered by Chabad.