OXFORD — The Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford, has secured a lease for a new location that will allow it to expand its religious, educational, and cultural programming. This marks a significant milestone for the center, which has been serving the Jewish communities of Oxford, Southbury, Middlebury, Beacon Falls, and Seymour for just over a year and a half. The leased facility is located in Southford at 1450 Southford Rd. at the former Newtown Savings Bank location.
Founded in 2023, the Chabad Jewish Center of Oxford has become a hub for Jewish life in the area, offering services such as Torah study, holiday events, and community programs. The new space will provide a permanent home for its activities and create a central location for the growing community.
Rabbi Shmaya Hecht, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center, expressed excitement about this wonderful moment. “When we started just over a year ago, we set out to create a welcoming space where people could connect with their faith and community. This lease is a reflection of how far we’ve come in such a short time,” said Rabbi Shmaya Hecht.
While the center has been holding programs in private homes or locations such as the Oxford Grange or the public library until now, the new space will allow for more flexibility in its programming and accommodation. As always, Chabad makes it a priority to be an inclusive space, welcoming people of all backgrounds and Jewish observance levels.
“I feel so fortunate that Chabad has found a home here. The Jewish Women’s Circle events are always so enjoyable and I’ve met a great bunch of women. Relaxed services, no ticket or official membership needed, are a wonderful resource to people like me who never know until the last minute if I feel like going or not. But mostly, I am grateful for the education and community awareness that Chabad delivers. Not only do unaffiliated kids get to celebrate their religion and culture, but Chabad also raises awareness by those who aren’t Jewish as well,” said Mrs. Arline McCarthy, a local resident, about Chabad’s impact both personally and within the community.
Mrs. Hadassa Hecht, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center, commented, “The move to this larger space will allow us to expand our outreach and create a truly vibrant Jewish environment. In just a year and a half, we’ve witnessed wonderful interest in what we are doing, and we’re excited to continue this journey in a space that can accommodate the community’s needs.”
For more information about the Chabad Jewish Center and its programs, visit www.cjcoxford.org.
