Harford Chabad Opens New Center in Bel Air (Photos)

By BJLife Newsroom
Posted on 07/09/25

Belair, MD - July 9, 2025 - On Sunday, June 29, Harford Chabad in Bel Air, MD celebrated the grand opening of its new center. Over 300 people from the local area and around the country came together to celebrate the Chabad's 15 years of growth and expansion. Co-directed by Rabbi Kushi and Raisa Schusterman, the Chabad center is welcoming a second Rabbinic couple - Rabbi Heschel and Doba Yarmush — to join them. The Yarmushes will serve as director of education and director of youth programming, respectively.  

“Harford Chabad is more than just a synagogue, it’s a tight knit community where people care and look out for each other,” said Rabbi Schusterman. “This new center is a dream come true. It will allow us to expand our community and create a welcoming space for all Jews, regardless of background or affiliation." Since opening in 2010, Harford Chabad has served Harford and Cecil counties. In addition to hosting regular Shabbat and holiday services, it offers programs such as Hebrew School, a robust adult education program, the Jewish Women’s Circle of Harford County, and provides resources for life-cycle events, addiction intervention, crisis and marriage counseling services. With the new space, the Schustermans are looking forward to expanding their offerings including Bar and Bat Mitzvah training and celebrations, wedding officiation, Hebrew School, and more.

The new facility boasts a large sanctuary and social hall, a kosher kitchen, classrooms, a mikvah ritual bath and a Jewish library. The event coincided with the 31st Yahrzeit of the Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Considered one of the most influential rabbis of modern times, the Rebbe engineered a post-Holocaust Jewish renaissance, revitalizing Jewish life in over 100 countries and all 50 states through his leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. For many in Harford County and around the world, this occasion was a day to reflect on the Rebbe’s life and teachings through prayer and increased acts of goodness and kindness.