Rohr Chabad of NDG hopes to raise enough money to save community centre

The hall next door to the old St-Columba church is more than just a building for theRohr Chabad of NDG.

The local Jewish community uses the meeting hall for synagogue services,dinners and events, while also opening its doorsto the community-at-large, including groups like Narcotics Anonymous.

Chabad NDG has beenat the Notre-Dame-de-Grce location for more than two years, and RabbiYisroelBernathsaid it'sperfect for their needs.

"There's only so many buildings in NDG, and it's important for us to be in the residential part of NDG because on the Sabbath their are many members of our community [who] need to walk."

But Chabad NDG's future at itscurrent location atthe corner of Hingston and Notre-Dame-de-Grce avenuesis uncertain.

Developer Robert Blatt, who owns the property, purchased it with the intention of tearing down the neighbouring St-Columba Church to build semi-attached homes.

We don't have another plan. If for some reason it doesn't work out ...that would be devastating- Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

He'd agreed to preservethe community centre and let Chabad NDG stay there.

But thatdevelopment plan has been axed, because of opposition from residents who want to preserve the church.

• St-Columba Church demolition delayed after residents sign registry

Now that construction can't go ahead, it's possible the property could be sold.

Blatt was not available for an interview, but shared the following comment with CBC News: "The developer is considering all options at the present time. They will make an announcement when appropriate."

Bernath said the developer has been "a friend" and is doing what it can tocollaborate with Chabad NDG.

I'm an eternal optimist. I just think it's going to happen and it's all going to work out- Rabbi YisroelBernath

The Jewish community hasbeengiven six weeks to come up with enough money to buy the entire property.

"We don't have another plan. If for some reason it doesn't work out, I mean we'd have to go look for another space and that would be devastating."

Bernathis still negotiating how much the property would cost, but he knows it's not a small sum.

"It's going to be a stretch," he said, adding that they're reaching out to the broader communityfor financial support.

Despite the challenge he's facing, Bernath is hopeful.

"I think I'm an eternal optimist. I just think it's going to happen and it's all going to work out," he said.