Rebuild Project
The Board of Trustees of the JCC of LBI voted to initiate a campaign to raise funds to build a new physical structure here on Long Beach Island on the same site where we have been located since 1961. Our motivations driving this enormous project are strong and numerous.
- Our physical space is too small for holiday services, for social events, for classroom space.
- Our kitchen facilities are inadequate as are the restrooms.
- The Holy Ark is suffering from mold.
- There is no handicapped access to the Bimah.
- Our outward appearance does not reflect the wonderful things which happen inside our building.
We want and need a building which is a reflection of who we are as Jews. We want a Jewish House of Worship that is welcoming and reflective of a thoughtful, dynamic and creative group of people for whom the JCC of LBI is an anchor in their lives on both a social and religious level. Whether we are raising a family here, are full-time retirees or summer residents, we look to our synagogue as a place to be grounded, an always safe and welcome haven, a place where ”everybody knows your name.”
Upon completion of our new facility, the JCC of LBI will become an attractive gathering place for our young families who ar raising families or buying vacation homes here, as well as for the many retirees who are spending more and more of the year on the Island and the surrounding mainland communities. The strength of our tradition and the joy of our celebrations will shine even brighter each tomorrow in our new building as families come together.
Because Judaism teaches us that we must take responsibility for our actions, for each other and for our world, Ed Dreyfus and Rose Valentine have taken on two of the most difficult and important jobs to get the JCC rebuilt. Jeff Shapiro now chairs the Rebuild Committee with Ed in an advisory capacity, and Rose chairs the Capital Campaign Committee. Please contact Rose at (609) 361-0892 or (973) 632-0913 with your pledge, your questions, or your offer to help—NOW!
OVERVIEW
The Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island was established in the early 1950’s as a summer resort congregation. A handful of families opened their homes to the needs of the congregation, holding services in their living rooms and dedicating themselves to building a Jewish presence in the Southern Ocean County community.
The synagogue as we know it today was completed and dedicated in 1961. The building’s stained glass windows remain one of its most remarkable characteristics, featuring the twelve tribes of Israel along with emblems of the Priests and the Levites. A second set of windows, facing the south, depicts the various Jewish holidays.
In 1979, the JCC opened its doors year round and was no longer considered to be just a summer congregation. A search for a permanent rabbi was initiated; plans for celebrating all of the holidays were made as well as for social activities throughout the year.
Today the synagogue continues to thrive and grow. Our membership includes more than 270 member units. Since 2002, Rabbi Jacob Friedman has been the spiritual leader of our congregation. With more than 50 years of experience as a pulpit rabbi, he and his wife Ali have become an integral part of the JCC community. His knowledge and insight bring the Torah to life as each service under his leadership is both inspirational and educational.
Shabbat services are held weekly and all holidays are observed. In 2007 the rabbi’s residence was completely rebuilt into a two-unit condo providing a very suitable home and a unit for sale. The Religious School offers a comprehensive Jewish education for the young people of our community. Adult Education classes are led by ‘Rabbi Jack’. Our members come to the JCC not only to celebrate simchas, but also to seek comfort, social interaction and new friendships.
The Ritual Committee organizes yahrzeit and shiva minyans for all those in need, both members and non-members alike. Our Sisterhood holds many social and fundraising activities and serves as the welcoming committee at the Center.
The JCC is involved in interfaith activities throughout the community. A Torah scroll, rescued from the Holocaust, and the Holocaust section of our library are the centerpieces for Holocaust awareness programs and education.
DESCRIPTION
Our new JCC of LBI will be situated on the same property as the existing synagogue, with its welcoming entrance facing the main boulevard and closer to it. The one story building of almost 9,000 sq.ft. will have seating for about 100 in the sanctuary and expanded seating for High Holidays, community events, and special occasions for 500 people. Our stained glass windows will be installed in the new sanctuary.
The social hall will provide the perfect setting for receptions, lectures and other functions. Convenient to it is a brand new, large kosher kitchen for use by Sisterhood, caterers and congregants. In the front of the building are the office, library/board room, classrooms and restrooms. There will be handicap ramps to provide access to the building and to the Bimah.
Click below to view the revised drawings as PDF files
Interior Views of Sanctuary
JCC Rebuild Committee
March 6, 2011
Jeff Shapiro, Chairperson
Edward Dreyfus, Advisor to the Chairperson
Sub-committee Assignments
Capital Campaign Support
- Jeff Shapiro, Chair
- Lionel Wolpert
Finance/Investments
- Jeff Shapiro, Chair
Legal, Constitution, By Laws,
Surveys, Permits, Contracts
- Stuart Snyder
- Basil Karp
Architect Building Design & Layout
- Ed Dreyfus, Chair
- Don Pripstein
- Lionel Wolpert
- Rabbi Jack Friedman
- Harold Farin
Green Building, Lighting/ Security Systems
- Lionel Wolpert, Chair
- Ronald Marr
- Ken Abend
Office & Gallery Design
- Sherry Fructerman, Chair
- Howard Fructerman
- Harold Farin
Library / Class Room Design
- Henry Medvin, Chair
- Judith Pripstein
- Karen Schwing
- Michelle Goldman, School Principal
Kosher Kitchen & Pantry Design
- Eileen Levin, Chair
- Vivian Fitts
Demolition/Fence + Trailer Sale , Site Prep
- Lionel Wolpert, Chair
- Ken Abend
Contractor Evaluation/Selection/Negotiation
- Ed Dreyfus, Chair
- Stuart Snyder, Esq.
- Don Pripstein
- Jeff Shapiro
- Lionel Wolpert
Artifact Removal/Storage/Re-install:
- Harold Farin
OTHER SUBCOMMITTEES TO BE FORMED
- Construction Management/Inspection
- Parking Lot/Grounds/Landscaping
Updated 3/6/2011 kps
