It was a busy June, beginning of July as the Temple Beth-El Family prepared the Sanctuary for its upcoming renovations.
Its’ renovation – “Building for the next 90” – has begun in earnest with many members of the TBE Family coming together to assist in the deconstruction of our historic pews in preparation for repurposing as prayer-book bookcases, mezuzot, and more.
A hearty thank you to Neil Halpert who coordinated the project, and the many volunteers who gave up time and sweat (and in some cases skin) to assist.
We cannot wait to see what Neil and Brandon Mittman will come up with. We are so thrilled to be preserving such important parts of our history as we look forward to the coming years.
Many have asked this about the Renovation… “Why do we need to this?” The simple answer is our Grand Ol’ Lady is tired and needs rejuvenation.
Actually, she needs the essential systems of electrical, HVAC, Fire Systems, seating, Audio Visual systems, and more attended to. The building has served the Temple Beth-El Family well over the decades, but is now in desperate need of a critical systems overhaul.
Our Executive Director – Damien Timms – loves to tell the story of how he was in the building during his first week last year, and a small part of the ceiling fell in on his head!
It is time to Renovate! And when finished, we will have a building whose systems all work without worry, along with rejuvenated and enriched spaces that will take the TBE Family into the next 90 years.
Donations to the Renovation can still be made. Go to the website bethelrichmond.org, click on “Grove Renovation” and pledge your amount.
Also, a big reminder that we are also still accepting donations to “The Josephine Harris Kitchen.” An exciting development is that we have a donor willing to match the next $20,000 in donations. Please dig deep in honor of our amazing and beloved Facilities Manger – Josephine Harris – and her 40+ years of making sure everything runs smoothly here at TBE.
Good Health to our TBE Family as always!
See a few more photos:
