VISION 2026: Shaping Our Future Together

Our worship spaces host the most memorable Simchas of our lifetimes and must continue to carry the weight of such precious life cycle moments. We will transform the following spaces used to pray, celebrate, commemorate, and continue Jewish tradition:

Greenstein Sanctuary

Danziger Chapel

Foyer

Ettelson Wax Social Hall

Bridal Room

Congregant Amenities, including Bathrooms and ADA Accessibility

New Technology and Lighting

Vision 2026’s state-of-the-art renovation for worship, connection, and community will be extended to the outdoors with new spaces for every generation to gather, including:

Interior Courtyard

To complement our interior sacred spaces and foyers, the interior courtyard area will be redeveloped to offer a welcoming setting for 100-150 people to gather for life-cycle events, holiday programming, or casual entertaining. Strategically situated as the heart of our building design with windows and access from all sides, this courtyard will be elevated into a central space for intimate connection and meaningful programming.

Outdoor Ampitheater

In an artistic completion of our sanctuary’s semicircle, a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater designed to accommodate upwards of 500+ will draw us into the greater world to gather, celebrate, learn, and worship in an environment that fosters a connection to nature and each other. From performances to picnics and worship to simchas, the space will blend artistic lighting and audio-visual technology in harmony with a lush green setting.

Vision 2026 will provide a state-of-the-art renovation and expansion of our flagship Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center, which celebrates 36 years of educational excellence.

One of Temple Israel’s most important gateways to Jewish life for our congregation and greater community, the BKL ELC will undergo enhancements and expansions to support not simply square footage but rather innovation — holistic innovation in curriculum, security, technology, and all-around education.

Highlights include:

Add four new classrooms, ensuring all educational and programmatic space is encapsulated in a secure location

Transform and expand outdoor play space to offer developmentally appropriate experiences

Build a new indoor play space that encourages imaginative and educational play

Integrate new technology to support modern teaching methods and enhance the learning experience

Modernize with fresh paint, new carpeting, updated cubbies, etc. to make it inviting and refreshed

Updating Temple’s 50-year-old building infrastructure is crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. Over time, building systems and materials have deteriorated or become obsolete, posing risks to occupants and increasing maintenance costs. Infrastructure upgrades will be made to improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, and align the building with current regulatory standards.

Key infrastructure updates include:

LED Lighting Upgrade to reduce energy consumption and improve illumination quality.

Electrical System Updates to meet modern load demands and improve safety.

Roof Repair/Replacement to address leaks, structural issues, or insulation problems to protect the building from weather damage and improve energy efficiency.

Plumbing Upgrades to prevent leaks, enhance water quality, and reduce water usage.

Fire Safety Enhancements, including updating fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits to comply with fire safety regulations.

Accessibility Upgrades, includingmodifying entrances, bathrooms, and pathways to comply with ADA requirements, ensuring accessibility for all.

Digital Infrastructure for internet, security, and communication systems to meet current connectivity demands.