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09/19/2023 02:32 PMConstruction at Temple Beth Tikvah has been underway since 2019, and according to Rabbi Danny Moss, the congregation is preparing for the completion of renovations.
According to Moss, plans for the renovation were being discussed for decades, and the project broke ground just before the pandemic began in 2019. Moss joined the congregation just as the pandemic and supply chain issues began to disrupt even the smallest of construction projects, and he said he is excited for the project to finally reach its conclusion.
New and renovated amenities include preschool classrooms made accessible by making the parking level with all entrances and installing an elevator.
Large windows now frame the temple’s primary worship area to celebrate the building’s unique setting, and the ark doors are a beautiful multicolored glass design that brings a sense of wonder and peace to the room. Retractable walls allow for modular adaptation of the entire main floor to accommodate both worship services and life events.
“It is figured glass that was created by an artist named Linda Cummings. What she did for the design was to create a composite of photographs that she took at sunrise over Long Island Sound and turned it into an art piece. It evokes different things for different people, a very unique piece,” said Moss.
The project also included technical upgrades to the sound and audio systems and a large space for major life-cycle events such as weddings, social events, and bat and bar mitzvahs. There will also be a commercial kitchen to help the congregation feed members and a community meeting room and food preparation area that will be available to the public.
“The commercial kitchen is, of course, important in any synagogue. Jews love to eat, so this is probably one of our favorite areas,” Moss said. “We can’t wait to see the ovens in full use. It is very exciting.”
One of the unique design elements is an honor of Jerusalem’s Western Wall, which is situated just off the main entrance.
“Another feature is our homage to the Western Wall or Wailing Wall, how it is sometimes known in Jerusalem,” Moss said. “This is basically in the image of the Western Wall, and it is built from Jerusalem limestone. We are very proud of that.”
Moss said he and the congregation are extremely excited that the complex effort to completion is finally coming to its end.
“It really has been a long project. COVID had an impact. In the early days, we had the supply chain issues,” Moss explained.
“Part of every project is encountering unexpected obstacles. When you dig and when you uncover, you find things you didn’t expect. Any homeowner who has had the experience of a significant renovation can probably identify with the challenge of that. It was a very humbling time, but we are so satisfied to arrive at this stage of completion,” he added.
The temple had its formal consecration for the space on Sept. 8. On Nov. 3 and 4, the congregation and Rabbi Moss invite the public to come and view the new building and celebrate the community’s good fortune.
“Nov. 3 and 4 will be our community gratitude service,” said Moss.
“We want to thank everyone who has been supportive, including readers and neighbors and leaders, to come and see the space and come enjoy and to participate in a Shabbat,” he added.
“Everyone has been through some version of the wringer over the last few years for all kinds of reasons. The challenges of the pandemic and of the renovation timeline certainly made things challenging at certain points, and yet, coming out of the other side, one feels that sense of awe and gratitude and relief…the resiliency of our group coming through that…and I think there is a great sense of pride, joy, and homecoming.”