Murray Goldman Youth Centre
Almost 40 years ago, the then fledgling Chabad Lubavitch Organization made the bold and historic move to the rural community of Vaughan. Save for the village square and some scattered housing, the town was dotted with farms and meadows. With little regard for the skeptics, a 3 acre site was purchased on which a 25,000 sq. ft. multipurpose community centre was built. Almost immediately it became obvious that “the town above Toronto” holds much promise and opportunity. In tandem with sprouting housing developments, land was allocated for Shuls, Yeshivot, and Day Schools. Jewish life began to blossom!
Fast forward 30 years, and it was evident that the Chabad Lubavitch Centre had become inadequate in size to service the influx and growth of the Jewish community north of Steeles Avenue. Responding to the pressing need, an addition of some 5,000 sq. ft. was added that enlarged the Shul, Bait Midrash, auditorium, and library.
Still, the space available for the smorgasbord of services and programs provided by Chabad Lubavitch was insufficient. It was quite evident that there was a need to explore and entertain further expansion.
After much consideration and deliberation it was decided to utilize the stretch of land along Lony Court for an additional free standing building. (The new building will also facilitate a spacious new woman’s Mikvah. see: New Community Mikvah). The upper two floors will add eight large activity rooms and provide much needed space for the city wide Lubavitch Day Camp and the Friendship Circle which caters to special needs children. Entry to the Youth Centre will be from the north side and seamlessly aligned with the entrance of the existing building.