Symbolism and Sustainability Shape New Chabad Center
The 17,000-square-foot Telyas Chabad Jewish Center blends worship, education and community spaces with meaningful design and responsible material choices.
The Telyas Chabad Jewish Center in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, serves as both a spiritual and community hub for the region’s Jewish population and beyond. At 17,000 square feet, the facility blends worship, education and gathering spaces into a flexible environment designed to engage the broader community.
The design, led by JZA+D, weaves symbolic meaning throughout the building. The roof and entry canopy incorporate the shape of a Chabad menorah, framed by the Hebrew letter “shin,” a symbol of divine acknowledgment. Inside the sanctuary, the ark housing the Torah features Jerusalem stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments, backlit to evoke the image of commandments carved in stone. Sustainably sourced red gum wood was chosen for the ark to echo the look of olive wood while supporting responsible forestry.
Glass elements and open views to the landscape reinforce the center’s welcoming spirit, creating a space that is both rooted in tradition and open to the community.