CENTER OPENS FOR JEWISH RESIDENTS.Byline: Ann-Marie Sanchez Daily News Staff Writer Since Maury Friedman moved to the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. from Israel 20 years ago, he has found solace in his religion and comfort in his community through reaching out to others. Sunday was a special day for Friedman and his wife, Lisa, who have been the largest benefactors for the new Chabad Center in Agoura Hills. Sunday's opening of the center marked an important step in building a community for Jewish families in the Conejo Valley The Conejo Valley is a region spanning both Southeastern Ventura County and Northwest Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States. It was discovered in 1542 by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and eventually became part of the Rancho El Conejo land grant by and bringing meaning to their world, Maury Friedman said. The opening also brought his family's work at the center's educational academy full circle from the small study and prayer groups they started years ago. The goal of the new center is to promote Jewish identity Jewish identity is the subjective state of perceiving oneself as as a Jew and as relating to being Jewish. Jewish identity, by this definition, does not depend on whether or not a person is regarded as a Jew by others, or by an external set of religious, or legal, or sociological and awareness. ``We started the enrichment program for the children's after-school program three years ago under the auspice aus·pice n. pl. aus·pi·ces 1. also auspices Protection or support; patronage. 2. A sign indicative of future prospects; an omen: Auspices for the venture seemed favorable. of the Chabad of the Conejo,'' said Friedman, a 45-year-old business and financial planner Financial Planner A qualified investment professional who assists individuals and corporations meet their long-term financial objectives by analyzing the client's status and setting a program to achieve these goals. . ``Its success and development led us to this opportunity to purchase and renovate a new center.'' Amid colorful balloons and music, Friedman summarized the importance of the new center to his life and other Jews. ``The different centers enable the Jewish faithful of all walks of life to share in Jewish activities throughout the valley,'' Friedman said. The renovation of the 4,000-square-foot building on Canwood Street reflects the development of the Chabad organization since its inception in a Westlake Village synagogue synagogue (sĭn`əgŏg) [Gr.,=assembly], in Judaism, a place of assembly for worship, education, and communal affairs. The origins of the institution are unclear. One tradition dates it to the Babylonian exile of the 6th cent. B.C. 17 years ago. ``It's a glorious day for the entire community. It's a place of teaching, a place of caring for all of us,'' said Rabbi Moshe Bryski, who has headed the Chabad of the Conejo organization the past 13 years. The organization serves some 7,000 families. A table laden with apples, plums, grapes and pears symbolized a celebration feast and good-luck blessing for more than 70 families who attended the grand opening of the Chabad in Agoura. ``We have given birth to the center in this community, and it brightens its surroundings like a candle in the home,'' Bryski said. The Chabad offers educational and social services social services Noun, pl welfare services provided by local authorities or a state agency for people with particular social needs social services npl → servicios mpl sociales for Jewish residents living in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. . CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Maury Friedman and his wife, Lisa, have been benefac tors for the new Chabad Center in Agoura Hills. Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News |
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