I am happy to report that we are making excellent progress on the reconstruction of our new building and we will be able to have limited use of the facilities within the next 2 weeks.  The sanctuary, which could hold up to 300 people, has been completely redone with new lighting, new ceiling, and is currently prepped for painting.  We have used the services of an interior designer to help direct the building committee on the color scheme and various improvements to the building and everyone should be pleased with the results.  We have done our best to maintain the integrity of this 1935 structure while making the necessary cosmetic and code upgrades that will ensure a safe and long life for our synagogue. 

The library is adjacent to the sanctuary and will have beautiful custom bookcases and a large meeting table which was donated some years back.  We have four small classrooms, a craft/activity room, and an unassigned meeting room for general usage.  The full commercial kitchen has been cleaned and will soon be available for use as the kitchen committee determines the best usage and rearranges the counter space.  The rabbi’s private office has been upgraded with a new window, as has the reception area and all the classrooms.  The multipurpose room will have new laminate flooring and will be freshly painted in the near future. At this time the bathrooms and entry areas have new floor tile and the new carpet and other flooring has been ordered.  As we have found significant termite damage, those repairs are underway and the full building will be tented for fumigation over the June 20-22 weekend. 

The Conditional Use Permit application is in the process of being prepared and our signage committee is looking at how we are going to identify the various rooms and areas within and outside of the building.  At this time, we are still looking for more volunteers to work on the landscape design and playground areas which will be included in the final plans.  Several congregational workdays have gotten the outside area in good condition and we have installed a new heating and air conditioning system for the entire building.

We are anticipating limited use of the synagogue during the month of July and our first B’nai mitzvah celebration will take place in August.  Our Grand Opening and dedication festivities will take place over the weekend of September 12-14; check this website for updates and schedules.

Now is the time for our dream of a South Valley Synagogue to become real; it is happening, and everyone in the Jewish community has a chance to be charter members in a new synagogue with a 30-year history.  

Michael Oshan

President

Updated June 18, 2008