In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara has officially broken ground on a major multi-million-dollar renovation of its Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center. Slated to reopen in October 2023, the project reimagines its entire campus to better serve its mission to build community and understanding.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the new building will feature the Marion and Aaron Gural Arts & Culture Center, Center for Jewish Education, a new lobby, and Santa Barbara’s only Jewish deli. Designed by Hochhauser Blatter Architects, Inc. and built by the Towbes Group, it will be more energy efficient and have state-of-the-art security.
The Jewish Federation plays a pivotal role in providing Holocaust education to our region, especially for middle and high school students. The new Center for Jewish Education will expand the current Portraits of Survival: Life Journeys through the Holocaust and Beyond exhibit to include video storytelling and new interactive technology, as well as a library, archive, and classroom.
The Marion and Aaron Gural Arts & Culture Center will be a welcoming space for art exhibitions, holiday celebrations, lecture series, community gatherings, and of course, Mah Jongg.
Executive Director Cyndi Silverman notes, “After years of planning, we are elated to share our beautifully transformed space. With a focus on arts, culture, and education, the grand reopening of the Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center will allow us to welcome the entire Santa Barbara community, starting with Santa Barbara’s only Jewish deli!”
For more information on the project, visit jewishsantabarbara.org/campaign.
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