No sooner had Rabbi Mendy Lipskier officiated at the dedication of Chabad Edelman Jewish Center on Sunday, Nov. 18, he was talking about outgrowing the current space and expanding.

“We’re not done yet,” said Lipskier. “We are absolutely sure we’re going to outgrow this building very soon.”

Lipskier said he had been informed by Town Manager Grady Miller that the extensively renovated building is zoned to build two stories upwards.

The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the town’s first Jewish center and synagogue to serve a growing Jewish community.

Lipskier and his wife, Tzipi, established Chabad of Fountain Hills in their home in September 2009. In January 2017, the former Gridleys of Fountain Hills, a closed retail store, was purchased and remodeling began.

“Our community is a very unique community. We have created a space in Fountain Hills where everyone feels at home whether you’re Jew or gentile, religious or not religious, everyone feels at home in this Chabad Edelman Jewish Center,” Lipskier said. “It may be a small building but we’re counting on it having a tremendous effect on the entire community.”

Chabad of Fountain Hills is dedicated to providing for every Jew regardless of background, philosophy or level or commitment.

“Look round the room, this is Fountain Hills growing up,” commented Congressman David Schweikert. He was among the invited guests, several rabbis and Chabad followers from municipalities across the state.

Lipskier said the building project would never have happened without the support of Sheldon and Lauren Gross.

Former Judge Robert Donfeld and wife Bernadette dedicated the sanctuary after his parents, Milton and Kate Donfeld. The social hall was named after Dr. Brendan and Dana Levy of Scottsdale.

The Levy Family Social Hall accommodates Friday night Shabbat dinners, annual Chanukah parties, Purim events, women’s classes, lectures and social activities.

A lending library bears the name of Zaidy Lipskier. The rabbi said 150 first cousins on both sides of his family and students of his late father supported the project. It’s viewed as a place where people can relax, study, learn or borrow books.