Masorti shul wins approval for building plans
KEHILAT Nitzan plans to be in its new home in time for next year's high holy days after the City of Glen Eira approved plans for its synagogue.
PETER KOHN AND NAOMI LEVIN
KEHILAT Nitzan plans to be in its new home in time for next year’s high holy days after the City of Glen Eira approved plans for its synagogue.
Councillor Frank Penhalluriack moved and Councillor Jamie Hyams seconded approval for the development at a council meeting earlier this month.
The congregation can now begin building on the Hawthorn Road site, including renovating the existing building and constructing a second storey.
Local residents had objected that the congregation’s plans didn’t include car parking and would have made the local area noisy, so councillors reduced the maximum number of worshipers.
As a result, the congregation will only be permitted to welcome a maximum of 55 people at the synagogue for regular Shabbat services. This number will rise to 200 people for bar or bat mitzvahs and 400 people on high holy days.
John Furstenberg, a member of Kehilat Nitzan’s building subcommittee, said the synagogue could now commence the important task of raising funds and laying foundations.
“It’s a reasonable compromise for us, we’re satisfied,” he said of the council’s decision. “Our aim is to try and get this ready for yom tov next year.”
Earlier report
Kehilat Nitzan waits for council green light