Chabad-Lubavitch of Southside in Jacksonville, Fla., announced the acquisition of a new lakeside property to house a planned 4,000-square-foot facility.

Directed by Rabbi Shmuel and Chani Novack, the two-year-old Chabad House coordinates Jewish events at the University of North Florida, runs a community preschool and operates weekly and Shabbat services, as well as regular adult education classes. In addition, the Novacks conduct prison and hospital visits.

The groundbreaking is planned for Lag B'Omer, which begins the night of May 22.

"We are so excited and grateful for the community's support," said Novack. "This new site will enable us to redouble our efforts on the Southside, provide an excellent facility for our preschool and help us continue to build the Jewish community." ...