Chabad is successful in Folsom/El Dorado Hills because it is community financed and supported. It's OUR Chabad House; we built it, we financed it. How can we not continue to support its next phase of growth? Communities either grow or fade, but they never remain static. Our Chabad is thriving and ready to take a big leap forward through this initiative, as a catalyst to its next phase of growth.

I have made multiple attempts to connect with Judaism. Folsom Chabad is the only Jewish organization where I have felt comfortable. The Rabbi and Goldie make it fun to learn about Judaism and to be a Jew. Best of all, my husband, who is not interested in organized religion and has never felt comfortable in synagogues or chavara groups, enjoys spending time with Rabbi Yossi, Goldie and their loving family.

Getting involved with the Chabad of Folsom community has been such a warm and welcoming experience for me and my husband. Being a non-Jew married to a Jewish man has been a challenging situation for both of us. Rabbi Yossi and Goldie have been so wonderful- welcoming us both into the community and furthering our understanding of Judaism.

I grew up knowing I was Jewish but I wasn't part of a Jewish community. It wasn't until I was an adult that I found the Chabad Center in Folsom, and it changed my life. Rabbi Yossi and his wonderful wife, Goldie, welcomed me and my family with warm sincerity at the very first meeting. My children now attend their Hebrew school every Sunday, I go to women's meetings, and we celebrate Jewish Holidays at the Chabad in Folsom.

I am forever grateful to the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Folsom/El Dorado Hills for their continued guidance in my spiritual and religious journey. I experienced a strong need to reconnect to my faith so I decided to join Chabad where I was welcomed by Rabbi Yossi and his wife Goldie. Chabad of Folsom/EDH has not only become part of my community but feels like my second family.

Over the years, we have watched our kids thrive and become more confident Jewish young adults through their experiences with Chabad Hebrew School and youth group activities. Chabad raises the visibility of the Jewish presence and brings our community together. The new center will be an incredible asset to our community, providing opportunities to worship, learn and celebrate together in a space we all help build.