At least that is what I'm seeing. Tonight we reported on the demise of South Florida's first rabbinical school... now facing foreclosure. Regions Bank served the Lubavitch Educational Center on Friday. The organization, established in 1968, is about to undergo perhaps its toughest test yet... this recession.
The grounds of the original campus (12th and Alton on Miami Beach) are already overgrown. 
Earlier this decade the school got very aggressive with growth. Perhaps too aggressive? They purchased an additional property near the Golden Glades interchange.
This 7 story doctor’s office complex was turned into a beautiful school campus for preschool to high school.
They were on their way with enrollment topping 800 children and then the recession hit. For a school that is funded mostly by donations the impact has been significant.
Instead of turning away children (90% on scholarship here) they have been cutting back elsewhere. Some of it was simple like not finishing the sports field lights.
But as of late the decisions have become more challenging. The funds, like most schools, are not there for eight million dollar loan on their property. This historic institution was begging Region Bank to work with them. The response... "Just give us the building and shut down." according to Rabbi Benzion Korf.
The Rabbi is pledging to keep the school open, to not go down without a fight. I'm a bit taken back though. Think of all this organization has gone through in 41 years of operation. And it's this recession that could take them out?
