Neveh Shalom begins construction
Groundbreaking ceremony set Nov. 4
By Jewish Review
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If you hear the sounds of bulldozers and digging near Peaceful Lane, don’t be alarmed—it’s just the beginning of a year-long construction project at Neveh Shalom.
At their September meeting, Neveh Shalom’s Board of Directors gave the green light to begin construction Oct. 8. This project is the largest and most extensive since the synagogue was built in the 1960s.
The congregation will host a formal groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. The public is invited to join the ceremony at the synagogue at 2900 SW Peaceful Lane. Following the groundbreaking, Cantor Alex Stein, an Australian tenor now living in Calvary, will perform in concert. The concert is free for capital campaign donors and $10 for others.
Improvements to the building will include extensive renovations to the current synagogue building, including:
• Main Sanctuary—new seating and carpets and improved lighting and sound;
• Zidell Chapel—Enhance capacity and improve function to the chapel;
• Birnbach Hall—Enhance room ambiance;
• Offices—converted to classrooms;
• Systems (mechanical, plumbing, etc.)—complete overhaul to improve performance and energy efficiencies;
• Restrooms—upgraded; and
• Classrooms, public rooms and spaces—updated and improved.
The Neveh Shalom Cemeteries will also get attention. The Chapel will be expanded and a Caretaker residence will be added at Ahavai Shalom, as well as a new caretaker residence and chapel ramp at Neveh Zedek. Both cemeteries’ monuments will have extensive repairs.
After several months of fundraising, Neveh Shalom’s Capital Campaign Chairs, Merritt Yoelin and Alan Blank, have led their committee to raise $6 million toward the $9 million goal. The chairs worked with their committee, the board and congregants to raise this amount.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Blank. “And it is a testament to our members’ commitment to provide an updated, beautiful space for generations to come.”
“We still have a bit to go,” Yoelin said. “But I am confident that the Neveh Shalom community will come forward with their donations to the campaign. Everyone understands how important this project is.”