I am delighted to inform you that we are
officially launching our sanctuary restoration project this year. Construction
begins in November, and the first life cycle event in our newly restored
sanctuary is planned for April 2004.
Restoring our sanctuary is an important step for us. We are updating
our bimah so that it is up to code and accessible to all congregants and
visitors. We are modernizing operational systems, making the sanctuary
a more efficient and safe place to maintain. And very importantly,
we are creating a beautiful, peaceful and inspiring spiritual environment
for worship, learning and community events.
We all can look forward to these tangible changes that will greatly enhance
our experiences in the sanctuary. In addition, we are taking a significant
step symbolically. By investing our time, energy and finances into
preserving our sanctuary, we are making a statement. As the only remaining
large urban Reform congregation in Minneapolis, we are reinforcing our commitment
to stay planted in our roots. We are here and we are staying.
We turn 125 years old as a congregation this year, and that is a milestone
of which we should all be very proud.
In an effort to prepare ourselves for the future and beyond, we launched
Torahtaynu, a community effort to raise funds for the sanctuary renovation
and Temple Israel Foundation. Because of the critical needs of our sanctuary,
we are reinvigorating Torahtaynu exclusively as a sanctuary restoration project
and have engaged an outside capital campaign consultant to assist us with
this endeavor. The new funds raised will make restoring and preserving
our sanctuary possible, and the ongoing generosity of our loyal members will
bring this important and momentous effort to completion.
As we officially approve plans and launch into the construction phase, I
reflect on the significance of this major undertaking, and ask that you also
contemplate the important role the sanctuary plays in your life. From
life cycle events and High Holy Day worship to educational services and community
gatherings, our sanctuary truly is the heart of our congregation and community.
Thank you for your continued support in this ambitious endeavor.
