Chevre,

Over the past two years the Building and Grounds Task Force has been diligently working to engage the Beth El community and guide our architectural partners, Weinstein Friedlein, toward the future of our campus.  We have been inspired by the community's participation - the willingness to share ideas, participate in community gatherings, meet one-on-one and help guide Beth El towards a future home that best represents the mission and values of our community. Click this link to see the most recent revised architectural site plan that is the result of the work done at a Board/Task Force retreat in early January.

Campaigns such as this one can take years to complete.  We want the community to stay connected and engaged with the process and to that end we will be sending periodic email updates to share accomplishments and progress to date.  We will also have community information sessions/updates, the first of which will be at the Annual Meeting on May 15th.
 
As you know from Rachel Galanter's previous letter, in early February the Beth El Board approved a $4.1 million campaign to fund renovations and additions to the main building.  As Rachel noted, this renovation strives to meet all the goals of our strategic plan- to house our growing congregation in one building; to provide flexible, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for all of our members, including our youth; and to do it in a sustainable, affordable way.
Since the Board's decision, the initial Campaign Team (Nathan Bearman, Gary Zarkin, Rabbi Greyber, Casey Baker, Noah Pickus, Debbie Goldstein and Drew Langsam) has been meeting regularly to further develop a campaign plan, timetable and budget and to learn about similar past community campaigns. 

We are fortunate to have leaders from many of our community institutions who are willing to share their experience and expertise.  A full campaign committee is currently in formation. The Campaign Team has also been investigating the possibility of hiring a campaign consultant, using funds donated to start the campaign, to help guide our volunteer committee.

Weinstein Friedlein has also been busy getting material together that we can use for the campaign.  This plan reflects the $4.1 million project that the board approved.  The cost estimate is the product of our experienced architect's knowledge of the market and estimates from a local general contractor. Note that the Freedman Center is greyed-out as its future status is unknown.  If we are successful with the full campaign, we'll be able to move all programming into one building.  At that time, the Board will determine what to do with the Freedman Center. The cost of its deconstruction is estimated to be under $40k.

The Board has agreed that building will not begin until we have collected a combination of funds and pledges that represent at least 90 percent of the projected cost.  The cost estimate includes a representation of a contingency endowment.

Last, but not least, many of you have mentioned your interest and willingness to be a part of this historic project.  Your passion inspires us...Thank You!  This is a community campaign and we will need all of our hands to make it a success.  Let us know your interests and skills so we can best determine how we can all work together to make our new building a reality.   The best way to contact us is via email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Nathan Bearman and Gary Zarkin

Beth El Synagogue
1004 Watts Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919)682-1238 | Email Us

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