There's no place like home for area's Jewish faithful

SPARTA - The congregation on Saturday mornings calls it a house of worship. Rabbi Shmuel Lewis simply calls it home. The house on Glen Road is where Lewis and his wife eat, sleep and raise their three young kids, but it is also where dozens of area faithful of the Chabad Jewish Center of Sussex County and their children come to pray. Taking work home is something the rabbi has gotten used to since he moved his family to Sparta three years ago and faced the daunting task of building a cultural and religious center that would cater to the needs of the modest, but growing Jewish community in the area. “I love challenges,” said Lewis. “All beginnings are difficult. You always have to come up with ideas and be on top of things, but when you can make changes in people’s lives and inspire them, who could ask for more.” Lewis understands that he sometimes has no choice, but to ask for more, particularly around the Jewish High Holy Days when his single-family home can no longer accommodate upwards of 100 participants seeking a divine place to assemble. In the past, the rabbi has turned to local facilities, such as the ambulance squad center on Sparta Avenue, to hold services, but those rooms are not always available. For Hanukah, the ambulance center is already booked. Those connected to the Chabad will instead gather at Sparta Lanes for a Menorah lighting, 3:30 p.m., on Christmas Day. “It’s all part of a growth process,” said Lewis. “As things grow, you grow out of things.” The rabbi said he has a mailing list of 350 contacts, which he notifies of upcoming events. He said anyone interested in worshiping should notify him in advance, especially for services at his home, where parking is limited. “We can fit 10 or so cars on our property without causing any congestion,” said Lewis. “But, that’s why we’re looking for something else.” Local zoning laws would prohibit too large a gathering at the Lewis dwelling in town. In neighboring Morris County, residents recently complained when the Chabad of Randolph began attracting excess worshipers and cars to a township residence. The police issued citations to the owners of the home who used their center-hall colonial for a synagogue, adult education and venue for bar and bat mitzvahs. Legal battles between Chabads and municipal governments have sprouted in Southampton, N.Y.; Newton, Mass.; and Hollywood, Fla. A Chabad in Millburn-Short Hills has also run in zoning conflicts. Lewis had hoped to rent space in the former Dingmans Dairy facility near the jug handle at Woodport Road and Sparta Avenue, but the deal fell through after the rabbi had obtained a site waiver from the township. “I work very well with the township,” said Lewis. “I go to them before I make another move. I’m in contact with the mayor and council members. It’s important to follow the law and be sympathetic to other people’s concerns.” But the rabbi has his own worries. Right now, one is to find a permanent home for his congregation, and he doesn’t include his current residence among the possibilities. “This is only for the meantime,” said Lewis. “Once I am able to get the funding, I’ll be looking for something more appropriate. It’s certainly worth the money - to change one’s life for the better.”