New England Patriots owner and Jewish philanthropist Robert Kraft has donated $5 million toward the construction of a new Chabad center in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, supporting a $25 million project designed to strengthen Jewish life and community engagement for generations to come. Announced on October 14, 2026, the contribution brings the project’s reported fundraising total to $20 million, leaving another $5 million to reach its goal. The planned 23,000-square-foot facility will bear the Kraft family’s name, recognizing a major contribution from one of America’s most prominent sports executives and supporters of Jewish causes. The center is expected to serve as a hub for religious services, educational programs, community gatherings and other activities that bring Jewish families together. Construction is scheduled to be completed in fall 2027, marking a significant investment in the future of the local Jewish community.

Kraft’s donation carries particular personal significance because Chestnut Hill is part of the Massachusetts area where he raised his family, connecting the project to his own roots and longstanding commitment to Jewish communal life. In a video message accompanying the announcement, Kraft emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant community and ensuring that Jewish traditions and identity remain strong for future generations. The new center is expected to provide space for people of different ages to gather, learn, celebrate Jewish holidays and deepen their connections with one another. Chabad centers around the world often serve as welcoming points for religious education, outreach and community support, making the planned facility an important addition to the area’s Jewish infrastructure. With $20 million reportedly raised and construction completion targeted for fall 2027, the Kraft Family Chabad center is moving closer to becoming a lasting community landmark.