Local Synagogue Celebrates New Renovations

The building that houses the Beth David Reform Congregation was built around 1945 and the current congregation moved in about 25 years ago. Over the past few years they have taken on a massive renovation project to increase the space for not only the congregation and its administrative staff, but also the many educational and community programs Beth David runs.

"Community is very important to us. We come together to worship, to learn and gathering, and for community service," Board President Dinah Engel said.

The congregation focuses on their traditional faith as well as spreading community spirit. They encourage interfaith families to join them for religious services and community projects like their participation in the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), which houses homeless families in churches throughout the area. Beth David is the only participating synagogue.

President of the Beth David Men, Neil Sukonik, said they had three main goals with the renovations.

First, they needed to improve the facilities for their religious school, which is attended by 260 to 280 children between the grades of kindergarten and 10th grade. They also run a monthly preschool program. Sukonik described the former school space as out of date.

"We had classrooms that were built in 1964 that have never been touched. When we purchased the building we had the funds to build a new sanctuary, but we didn't have the funds to improve the school building, we now have a school facility that meets the needs of our school program. We have a fantastic school program, we just had a facility that was underwhelming," Sukonik said.

Prior to renovations, classrooms acted as multipurpose rooms. Now, there is enough room for individual class rooms along with a separate music room, art room, and a brand new youth lounge with comfy new couches donated by the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ).

They also expanded the area for the congregation's administrative staff. Engel joked about how one of their executive director's office was actually a closet. The administrative wing now has warm inviting offices and a nice-sized conference room for meetings. Its library and gift shop also have new larger spaces.

"At this point, the rabbi has a true study, the cantor has space where she can operate, which is the music room. Our executive administrator, executive director, and our staff have space so they can do what they need to do. We'll be able to upgrade or computer systems and everything else as well, to be able to run like were in the 21st century instead of if it were 50 years ago," Sukonik said.

There are also convenient additions such as plenty of new storage spaces throughout the building and a full bathroom including a shower.

"It's significant to us, this allows our IHN guests to have a place to shower when they stay with us. That's one of our social programs that we've done for over twenty years. About [four times a year] we will have families living here for a week. During the day they have programs in Norristown, but they are here for dinner. So having a shower really does help us with this program," said Engel.

Another goal of the renovations was to create space to simply gather. Engel proudly showed off an area they call "The Living Room." This space is right off the main synagogue and their reception hall. Prior to this area, people would have to take their after services chats to the parking lot.

"It was designed to create a meeting place, a place where we can just sit and chat. We just didn't have anything like that," said Engel.

Marketing Manager, Ilene Rosen commented the casual environment is to encourage relaxed gatherings, not formal meetings. The members now have an indoor place to meet or wait for their children.

The last aspect of the renovation was to make sure the building was warm, inviting, and energy efficient. The congregation has always been a warm and friendly place to worship, but the cinderblock walls and cold color scheme didn't always match the vibe of the people. They carefully designed the building to be physically inviting.

"So we believe now it’s a very appealing, very desirable, warm friendly place. The hallway was cinderblocks and hard floors. The physical plant matches what is inside," commented Sukonik

On the green side, the building is now designed in sections, each with separate entrances. These sections can be put into low consumption mode when not in use.

One of the beautiful new additions is their new chapel on the far end of the building. This room is filled with natural light and is the perfect size for various small events. The main idea was to use the space for the religious school so they did not have to use the synagogue at the other side of the building. The space can also be used for lectures and smaller weddings. At the front of the room they have an ark for the Torah and three podiums of two different sizes. These can be used for lectures or religious ceremonies. The middle piece is lower for Torah reading, but is also sized for someone in a wheelchair or a child. 

This journey began back in 2003 when Beth David purchased additional land for the project. According to CFO Ray Reed, the congregation committed several million dollars through the Capital Campaign conducted in 2007-2008 to be collected over five years and to pay for the renovation and addition. They partnered with Bryn Mawr Trust for construction financing. In the spring of 2010 they were finally able to break ground.

With the renovations finally complete, the congregation will be ready to unveil and celebrate this weekend. Friday evening, September 9, will feature a special service, which will connect the past with the present.

On Saturday, September 10, Beth David will be hosting a gala event. Local community leaders such as Liz Rogan will be in attendance. The Beth David Men will prepare dinner and a cocktail reception will be hosted by the WRJ. The response for the event has been very positive, and they are almost sold out.

If you are interested in joining the Beth David Reform Congregation, it is currently running a special no-cost membership program. These spaces are limited. Anyone interested in more information should contact Ronit Leboff at (610) 896-7485.