Boulder County Center for Judaism Opens New Synagogue and Community Center

Sunday, January 12 was a bright, clear Colorado-winter day; the air crisp, the sky blue, and a sense of excitement surrounded the brand-new building at 2810 Jay Road in North Boulder. The high ceiling let the winter light fill the main room as tables were set up, shelves put together, and people moved from task to task. The kitchen got its first real workout as people worked in concert to prepare food for the Boulder County Center for Judaism’s beautiful new synagogue and community center’s grand opening.

This building, designed by local architects Fleetmeyer & Lee with local interior designer Channah Hinseth, is the culmination of many years of dedicated community-building by Rabbi Pesach and Chany Scheiner, co-directors of the Boulder County Center for Judaism.

Rabbi Scheiner said, “Thank Gd the building came out beautifully. There is a lot of excitement in the community for the opportunity to have bigger and better programs here.” 

Past community member Laya Jackson, said, “We have had the honor and joy of knowing Rabbi Pesach and Chany Scheiner since 1993. Their unwavering dedication to nurture and illuminate the Boulder Jewish community has spanned decades. The opening of this new center is a dream come true for them and an incredible gift for everyone who will come to celebrate, learn, question, debate, share stories, and navigate life’s ups and downs – all with a focus on the joyful spirituality of a Jewish Torah Walk. May this center make the journey even more joyful and the way smooth and sweet for all who enter.” 

In those years, while they worked on expanding and nurturing the Boulder Jewish community, Rabbi and Chany grew their own family as well. And their children, who were in Boulder to celebrate their parents’ achievement grew up watching their parents overcome every obstacle in their path to get to this meaningful day. 

Their third child, Moshe Scheiner, said. “Although the project took longer than expected my parents never lost sight of their goal, never lost hope, never stopped working, and in the end they created something amazing that will serve the Jewish community of Boulder for generations. I could not be more proud.” 

Jonathan Lev, director of the Boulder JCC and long-time collaborator in creating Jewish community events spoke to Chany privately. “Mazal tov! he said. “I hope you take time to savor this moment. I know how hard you worked to get here.” He smiled, “Not many people really understand what it took for you to do this the way I do. You should be really proud.” 

Every large undertaking requires financial support and Rabbi Scheiner spent countless hours working on that. And he had help from his eldest son, Mendy, an accomplished fundraiser who learned his craft from his father. “I began working on fundraising for the new center in 2014, after the decimation caused by that year’s flood in Boulder. I did whatever it takes including door knocking and I was met with much generosity. Although it took longer than expected, I couldn’t be more proud of the results.” 

Jewish community educator and author Morah Yehudis described the opening as, “quite remarkable. The name of the street it is on should be changed from Jay Road to ‘Joy Road.’ 

Architect Dave Lee of Fleetemeyer & Lee said, “We created a floor plan for the building and courtyard utilizing the geometry of two overlapping squares. The space where these squares overlap at the center forms the most sacred place of worship.” 

Community member Pam Sherman agrees. “The Grand Opening Celebration was uplifting, beautiful, full of goodness, teaching in every way, caring, community. The space itself is so full of light, airy, inspiring. I understand now [Rabbi and Chany’s] excitement. It has become mine, too.” 

Bonni Raderman, another long-time community member and volunteer said, “A shul is so much more than a building—it’s a cornerstone of Jewish life, offering a space for prayer, learning, events, and connection. For a family like mine, this shul holds even deeper meaning. Being married by Rabbi Scheiner and Chany, who built it, and watching our daughter grow up with their guidance and warmth has shaped not only our Jewish journey but also the structure and inspiration behind the way we live our Jewish lives today. This shul represents their vision and dedication brought to life, and it will continue to serve as a source of strength, connection, and tradition for our entire community.” 

Amy Henry, an enthusiastic volunteer, said, “The opening of the Boulder County Center for Judaism’s new building marks the beginning of a new era and enormous opportunity to share the wisdom and beauty of Torah with more Jewish Coloradans and visitors than ever before. I am thrilled and blessed to be part of this momentous occasion! 

When she’d had a moment to collect herself after all the excitement, Chany said, “When we started this project, I never dreamed it would take so long and could not have imagined all the various details and hardships that would arise. I am grateful to G-d and all the people who helped make this milestone possible. 

“And now I look forward to being able to do more exciting things and making more of an impact on our community. I invite you to come use the center by joining the different classes, activities, and events. Chabad is unique that we don’t serve a membership based community but we are open to every Jew in the community. So, to start, just reach out to me and I will give you a personal tour.”