Our synagogue began as Chabad of La Jolla in 1978 with a small group of dedicated individuals who gathered in a home in La Jolla to pray.

Various moves followed until eventually, the congregation moved to Marketplace Shopping Center in University City, where it occupied several office suites serving as synagogue, social hall, offices, junior congregation rooms and classrooms all combined.

The synagogue quickly grew, and it became very clear that a much larger facility was needed. However, the community became very frustrated that no building was available in the area. Eventually in 1997, the Bank of America building on Governor Drive announced that it would be closing. Immediately, the eager members of Chabad jumped at the chance to purchase this magnificent building.

Two years of hard work and active fundraising produced great results. The building was finally purchased and dedicated as the Chabad Jewish Center of University City.

The new synagogue building includes a spacious hall for prayer and social activities, a sizable upstairs area for offices, classrooms, kitchen and dining area. The outside area being slightly less than an acre accommodates a large playground for young children and sufficient parking spaces to accommodate the people who attend on a regular basis.

With room to grow, Chabad Jewish Center of University City looks forward to a bright, positive future, contributing to the spiritual well-being of the University City/ La Jolla area. It is a dream come true for Rabbi Moishe Leider and the community.