Chabad Wall Project Nearing Completion

If in the last three years you have driven down Sunset Boulevard near the intersection at Los Liones Drive, you have surely seen the bright, colorful mural on the property of the Chabad Jewish Community Center.

More recently, however, you may have noticed the construction of a new wall that will surround the center and the mural, giving the campus a different sort of curb appeal.

“The wall’s primary goal is to secure the campus and make sure everybody who comes here is safe while they’re enjoying whatever program they’re involved with,” said Rabbi Zushe Cunin, the center’s co-director and spiritual leader. “A wall on one hand could be a separation… but the wall also has a front door. Our door, hearts and minds are always open and welcoming.”

Imported Jerusalem stone is a main ingredient of the new wall, and a fresh landscape design will give the entire campus exterior a makeover. The existing and boldly colored mural by local artist Ed Massey, whose children have attended the school at Chabad, will eventually be donated and relocated to another (undetermined) organization in the community in need of beautification.

“My interest in the original project was to create an artwork that would become a welcoming platform for children, adults, educators and the community at large,” Massey said. “I feel that the art over the course of the last three years has served that purpose.”

The Chabad Center has opportunities for all members of the Jewish population and community as a whole. Its programs and activities include adult education, a day camp for children, teen groups, social programs helping the homeless and needy and a group called The Friendship Circle, which pairs up teenage volunteers and children with special needs.

The campus also has an early childhood center serving infants as well as preschool and kindergarten students, all with a largely outdoor curriculum and an environment that fosters creativity.

“Our desire is to bring peace, joy and light to the community,” said Rabbi Zushe. “The role of the Chabad Jewish Community Center in the Palisades is to inspire each individual to make a difference in this world in their own unique and joyful way.”