Okeechobee, Fl.—Wednesday of Parashas Chayei Sarah will go down in the annals of American Jewish history as the day in which the heimishe city of Lakefront in Okeechobee, Floriday, has been transformed from a dream and plan into a stunning reality—a turning point in the history of American Jewish life which has thus far been confined to a handful of neighborhoods, and establishing the first Yiddishe city in America to be built entirely from scratch into a sprawling oasis of Jewish life. 

This is a phenomenon entirely foreign to our community. Until today. “Lakefront” is being built as a massive “city” specifically designed for upstanding chassidishe families, the most beautiful families in Klal Yisroel, who will be able to raise their children away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and away from the unwanted influences of the big city. At the same time, Lakefront will offer every comfort and amenity—along with a complete Yiddishe infrastructure—necessary for the residents to live serenely and comfortably. 

The historic journey to Lakefront began on Wednesday morning, when a plane filled with future residents of Lakefront—along with askonim, developers, architects, planners, Rabbonim, and leaders of the mosdos— touched down in the Palm Beach Airport. The purpose of this visit was provide an opportunity for these stakeholders to get a firsthand glimpse at history in the making, and for them to witness the rise of Lakefront from the ground up. 

As soon as the bus turned onto Rambam Boulevard—Lakefront’s main avenue—a hush fell over the visitors as they came face to face with the unbelievable sight of rows and rows of stunning homes which have just been completed. Entire streets—which will soon be filled with the residents and their children—were lined on each side with beautiful and spacious homes. 

A dream has been transformed into a true reality. 

Throughout their tour of Lakefront, the enthusiasm and the excitement of the visitors grew constantly as they viewed one beautiful area after another. From Rambam Boulevard, they turned onto Rashi Drive, and many other similarly-named streets—entering the beautifully appointed model homes to view the majestic rooms, magnificent spaces, beautiful outdoor gardens complete with palm trees, and strolling along the numerous lakes in the warm and fresh air. 

They heard from Rabbonim and leaders of the mosdos about the herculean efforts being invested in establishing the Yiddishe infrastructure upon the purest and holiest of foundations, and the way every area of Yiddishkeit will function on the highest levels of Torah and kedushah. 

Mr. David Brecher, a banker who has procured unbelievable mortgage rates and small downpayments for buyers in this project, spoke with residents as well, and explained how these terms will enable families to achieve their dream of buying in Lakefront. 

The Sherriff of Glades County likewise took part in this visit, and explained to the residents how residents of Okeechobee look forward to their arrival, and that there’s not a shred of antisemitic sentiment in the entire region. He pledged that he and his department will never tolerate any hateful activity, and do everything to ensure the serenity and the safety of Lakefront’s residents. 

Askonim and developers indicated the area where massive buildings will be going up over this winter to house supermarkets, Shuls, schools, yeshivos, and a sprawling shopping plaza. These buildings—along with the 196 homes for residents of the first phase—will be ready in time for the coming academic year following the summer. 

In the afternoon, the men gathered at the site of the future Lakefront shul for mincha. Emotions ran high as the group sang in anticipation of the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash, which is never far away from our minds. An announcement was made regarding an official groundbreaking for the shul which will take place in the coming months. 

As the group prepared to depart the area, the realization set in that they no longer needed to rely on advertisements, pamphlets, or the assurances of the developers—Lakefront is now a reality that they have seen with their own two eyes! 

Indeed, word spread like wildfire. Within 24 hours of their return to New York, the Lakefront offices received an astounding 1100(!) messages from families interested in applying to join the development. 

Among those displaying interest were inquiries about purchasing homes for vacation or investment. The developers therefore put out a notice stating that during the first two phases, homes will be sold only to those who will be residing in Lakefront on a permanent basis. 

For more information regarding the development, or to join future tours of Lakefront, call their offices at 863-333-9400 and join this historic turning point in the chassidishe history of America.