Groundbreaking news from Emanuel
More than 125 people gathered at Emanuel Synagogue on Monday night (July 18) for a groundbreaking ceremony that signalled the beginning of the shul’s much-anticipated redevelopment.
MORE than 125 people gathered at Emanuel Synagogue on Monday night (July 18) for a groundbreaking ceremony that signalled the beginning of the shul’s much-anticipated redevelopment. Preliminary work on the site is already underway, with construction set to begin on September 5.
The new building, which is expected to be completed in late 2017, includes a new preschool and playground for 60 children at ground level, and a 300-seat sanctuary on the upper floor, which can expand to 700 for High Holy Day services.
“Together with our immediate past president, Rodney Brender, our Rabbi [Jeffrey Kamins] with great gusto and passion successfully engaged our community to facilitate his vision and the community’s need to build a mid-size sanctuary and state-of-the-art preschool,” Emanuel president Louise Thurgood Phillips said at the event.
Funding for the redevelopment has poured in from the community, including a hefty $4 million donation from communal philanthropist Millie Phillips.
“The redevelopment is an opportunity for us to really reinvigorate our commitment to transformative learning, which is the first pillar of our community vision,” said Emanuel CEO Suzanna Helia.
Architect Ed Lippmann, a member of Emanuel Synagogue who also designed the Dover Heights “butterfly house”, said, “I truly believe that the new extensions will become as significant for our community as the original building we know and love.”
Lippmann has been working in conjunction with the Emanuel rabbis, who provided him with a detailed briefing on how the synagogue should function.
There will also be a courtyard and an art gallery that will also be available for use as function space.
“At the core of the development is the fact that there will be a single entrance for all congregants, reflecting the pluralistic vision of the building,” Helia said.
All religious services will continue throughout the redevelopment as there will not be any construction during Shabbat or on festivals.
“The redevelopment is on track, the clergy is growing and we are expanding our educational programs,” added Helia. “Emanuel Synagogue is in a really good place.”
AJN STAFF
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