FL - Chabad Hollywood synagogue files for bankruptcy

A Hollywood synagogue has filed for bankruptcy, saying it has under $50,000 in assets but owes between $1 million and $10 million, according to papers filed in federal court.

Hollywood Community Synagogue, 2221 N. 46th Ave., is attempting to reorganize under Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

The synagogue, also known as HCS Chabad Jewish Center and Chabad Lubavitch, is trying to work out its debts, mainly associated with the properties it owns in Hollywood Hills, Rabbi Joseph Korf said in a brief telephone interview.

"I wouldn't have a comment right now," as the synagogue has ongoing talks with creditors, Korf said.

The synagogue's attorney, Richard R. Robles, was in a meeting Tuesday and could not be reached for a comment.

Creditors include Regions Bank, Home Depot and several law firms, according to court records.

Regions Bank, which is listed as having a $1.4 million claim, won’t be able to comment since the case is in litigation and the bank wouldn’t anyway since it doesn't disclose its clients’ financial matters, said a bank spokeswoman Evelyn Mitchell.

The Orthodox Jewish congregation has had a contentious history in Hollywood, with the city first forbidding the synagogue from expanding on its properties and then denying it a special permit to have religious services in homes on the properties. The U.S. Attorney General's Office sided with the congregation and filed suit in 2005.

The following year, Hollywood settled with the city's insurer giving the synagogue $2 million. Under the agreement, the synagogue was allowed to stay in the neighborhood. It also was allowed to demolish two houses and build a new facility and parking lot.

But within two years of the settlement, the local and national economy had tanked. The synagogue, like many other entities, have struggled since the Great Recession. "We have too many debts," Rabbi Korf.

But he said the congregation is trying to work with creditors and couldn't talk more.

According to its website, the HCS Chabad Jewish Center was started as a place for all Jews.

"We open our arms and hearts to all without a membership requirement and have become a hometo South Florida Jewry," its website said. "It is a unique and vibrant center dedicated to enhancing the beauty of our Jewish heritage for any child, woman or man who walks through our doors.  

Through blending traditional values with contemporary techniques we are able to help people appreciate their roots as they discover joy and meaning in living Jewishly."          




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