Architectural rendering of the Center for Jewish Life seen from 8th Street at dusk

Center City Chabad · Capital Campaign

Center for Jewish Life

Help us build a Jewish day school and community center in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia. Join our $25 million campaign.

510 S. 8th Street Between Lombard and South Streets Philadelphia, PA 19147

Donor Opportunities The Project Plan

Proposed building · 510 S. 8th Street · SgRA Architects

  • $25M Capital campaign goal
  • 35,000 Square-foot building
  • PK–8 Day school grades
  • 180 Students at full capacity

  • A Jewish Day School

    PK–8, in partnership with Tamim Academy — the only Jewish day school in Center City, Philadelphia.

    The Tamim Academy model

  • A Community Center

    After-school and teen programs, adult learning, lifecycle events, and holiday celebrations.

    What happens here

A Catalyst for Change

Center City Chabad is spearheading a $25 million capital campaign for a 35,000-square-foot building to house a new PK-8 Jewish day school and community center in Center City, Philadelphia. The state-of-the-art building will be constructed on 8th Street between Lombard and South Streets in close proximity to Center City’s Jewish population. This transformational project will create a home that invites Jewish people from all walks of life to forge connections and strengthen their Jewish identities.

Building on the decades of success of B’nai Abraham Chabad and Center City Jewish Preschool, the new Center will provide educational space for students and create communal space for Jewish programming and engagement.

Donor Opportunities

Timeline

The Road Ahead

Four phases carry the campaign from an empty garage to a center with a vibrant Jewish community.

  1. Phase 1 Complete

    Securing the Property

    • Property Financing & Purchase (complete)
    • Architectural & Design Plan Development (complete)
    • Community Engagement & Meetings (complete)
    • Zoning Board of Adjustment Hearings & Approval (complete)
    • Securing $3M in Funding (complete)

  2. Phase 2 Underway

    Capital Campaign Fundraising

    • $17M — The Brick and Mortar Campaign
    • $5M — The Heart and Soul Campaign

  3. Phase 3

    Construction

    • Permits
    • Selective Demolition & Environmental Remediation
    • Construction
    • Interior Design & Furnishing

  4. Phase 4

    Opening

The Opportunity

Why Here?

There are approximately 75,000 Jewish households in Greater Center City, yet there is no Jewish day school in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Center City Jewish Preschool is bursting at its seams with parents asking for an elementary school that continues both the program’s educational excellence and its commitment to the social-emotional development of children rooted in Jewish values and pride.

With only 30% of the local Jewish population affiliated with area synagogues, the Center will also function as a community center that will provide opportunities for connection and learning for all Jews regardless of age, financial means and level of observance.

Project Plans
Center City Jewish Preschool graduates in caps with their teachers
Center City Jewish Preschool

The Urgency

Why Now?

The tragic events of October 7th, 2023 and rising antisemitism globally shook the Jewish population, creating an awakening and urgency that is now palpable across Jewish communities everywhere. Families across Philadelphia are seeking opportunities to deepen their engagement and connection in the Jewish community.

The Center for Jewish Life is a visionary opportunity to shape the future of Philadelphia’s Jewish community. Together, we can build a space that will transform lives, strengthen our connections and educate our future leaders.

The Approach

Why Chabad?

Renowned for creating inclusive environments for the past several decades globally, Chabad engages Jews from all walks of life and across denominational lines. Rooted in the mission of fostering Jewish identity, pride, and connection to heritage, Chabad’s unique approach creates accessible and welcoming spaces where Jewish life thrives.

For over 25 years, B’nai Abraham Chabad has been reviving Center City’s Jewish life with a host of programs that nurtures Jewish spirituality, identity, and belonging. Under the same leadership, the new Center for Jewish Life will create additional communal space to welcome not only students but individuals and families who seek opportunities for spiritual, religious, and cultural engagement.

Rabbi Yochonon Goldman reading from a Torah scroll with two young children at B’nai Abraham Chabad
Rabbi Goldman at B’nai Abraham Chabad

The School

Why Tamim?

The central focus of the Center for Jewish Life is the creation of a PK-8 school in partnership with Tamim Academy. A nationwide program with 19 schools, Tamim’s turnkey model offers support to streamline financial, educational and operating processes and creates access to a network of professional peers. Tamim’s unique curriculum integrates academic studies with Jewish studies to develop critical thinking and leadership skills. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and support the academic, spiritual, and social-emotional growth of each student. Through its immersive Hebrew language program, students forge a lifelong connection to the land and culture of Israel.

The Tamim Academy Model
Children in a Center City Jewish Preschool classroom under stained-glass windows
Center City Jewish Preschool

Get in touch

Contact

Stay connected

Campaign milestones, construction updates, and invitations to community events — a few times a year, never more.