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Project Details
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
DESIGN DRAWINGS
COSTS
FUNDRAISING
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
In order to realize this goal of renovation and renewal, five Guiding Principles have been established:
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Driven by Our Mission: Beth Jacob’s facilities improvement should be driven by CBJ’s mission, and by the needs of our programs, members, and leadership.
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Practicality of Design: The renovation will build on the best of what we already have, including our unique mid-century architecture and our “best in the U.S.” climate.
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Financial Responsibility: We will be fiscally prudent, live within our means, and not put the congregation into long-term debt.
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Quality: We will use skilled professionals when needed and ensure that whatever we do is done with quality.
- Community: The Solomon Project will be undertaken by our entire membership, who will be encouraged to learn about the project, contribute in a meaningful way, and share in the joy of this mitzvah.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
These drawings represent the current project that the Solomon Team has agreed to move forward with. Much careful planning and consideration has gone in to this process. Please note: Finishes such as colors and fabrics have not been finalized.
A WELCOMING AND INVITING ENTRY - DELET HA'Z'MANAH
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Our current main entrance -- which is small, unwelcoming, and hard to identify -- will be replaced by an expressive main entry that invites you in (a "Delet Ha'z'manah"). It will be clear that this is how your enter Congregation Beth Jacob -- not through the chapel or the social hall.
Once inside, you'll be able to see where you are, and where you are going.
FROM LOBBY TO RECEPTION HALL - ULAM KATAN
Our exisiting lobby, with its low ceilings, poor lighting, and unclear direction to the sanctuary, chapel, or social hall, will be replaced with a beautiful new Reception Hall, our "Ulam Katan". This enlarged space, with high ceilings, natural light, and air conditioning, is a place where we can gather for the many dinners, kiddushim, and events that aren't big enough for our social hall, as well as an inviting lobby with places to visit and chat. The office entry and reception area will be reconfigured as well to make sure it's functional and easy to find.
This renewed space will also provide welcoming and clearly identified entries to the social hall and sanctuary.
Looking back toward the main entry, you can also see a new interior entrance to a remodeled chapel. This will also allow for a place to obtain prayerbooks and tallitot before entering a chapel service. Our new reception hall will be a beautiful and inviting center for our community - welcoming us, providing us with new places to gather and celebrate, and guiding us to the other areas of our synagogue.
A REFURBISHED, FLEXIBLE CHAPEL - BEIT MIDRASH
Our current chapel is showing its age, with poor lighting and ventilation. It is too small for our High Holy Day alternate services, and for many weddings and lifecycle events for which our sanctuary is too big. Viewed from the bimah, you can see a modernized, well-lit, intimite chapel, our Beit Midrash, with a moveable wall in the back. This connects the chapel to new interior space that is now little-used and unattractive outdoor patio.
Looking toward the ark from the back of the Beit Midrash, you can see, in the foreground, the new interior space. This can be closed off and used for a meeting room, class, or small reception; when the wall is opened up, additional seating will allow the chapel to be expanded for larger services and ceremonies.
From its new entry off the new reception hall, the chapel will be a welcoming and intimate space with new natural light, air conditioning, and seating closer to the Torah table.
COSTS
Phase One will cost approximately $3.5 million, including all costs such as construction, design, permitting, financing, and furnishings.
On a per-square-foot basis, considering the scope of the project, this is very reasonable, and compares favorably to other recent synagogue renovations in the Bay Area.
FUNDRAISING
Major gift fundraising began a year ago. Thanks to our generous members, we have just reached $3 million in multi-year pledges, on our way to our goal of $3.6 million or more.
The congregation-wide phase of fundraising is now underway. A volunteer team of members will be contacting the congregation to arrange individual meetings to explain the project, answer questions, and solicit gifts to the campaign.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The Solomon Project is a unique opportunity to perform the mitzvah of building places of Jewish worship and learning.
When you are contacted by one of the Solomon team, take the call, agree to meet, and learn about the project. When you are asked to give, please consider a stretch gift that you can contribute over three-to-five years. We ask you to consider an amount that is meaningful to you and signifies a commitment to the future of our vibrant and precious congregation.
If you are interested in meeting with a team member, please contact Eric Stone by email or at 650-366-8481.