Chabad of Irvine to Mark 9th Year

Chabad of Irvine Jewish Center, 4872 Royce Road in Irvine, will hold its ninth anniversary celebration of community service Sunday at 5 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, 666 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa.

Chabad of Irvine was founded in December, 1979, by families searching for a center of Judaism that would fit their needs. It was headed by Rabbi Mendel Duchman, who acted as a “one-man show” for approximately the first six months, serving in every capacity . He remains as executive director.

The center was originally housed at his residence for nine years, finally moving to a 3 1/2-acre campus in the heart of Irvine.

Chabad of Irvine, with a staff of 31, is still the only Jewish facility in the city and its community services range from traditional synagogue to Jewish day camp, from an afternoon Hebrew school to adult education classes, and from a women’s sisterhood to a sunshine circle, a group of volunteers who visit the sick.

The evening will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rep. Sam Gejdenson (D-Conn.), and entertainment will be provided by Yoel Sharabi.

Reservations can be made by calling Eric or Bonnie Curkin, chairpersons of the dinner at (714) 786-5000.