Construction begins!

Our wonderful Matchers Minyan has graciously extended the deadline for matching donations. Be as generous as you can, we need everyone to do their part! Construction began this week. To donate please e-mail: capital.campaign@psjc.org.

Digging Deep

Blue skies, warm temps – folks start thinking about summer camps, summer vacations, summer Friday hours (and lack thereof) and relaxing. But for PSJC, spring and summer are just the beginning.

As fundraising slowly takes shape, we’re asking everyone to dig deep. It’s not easy, we know, but neither is making the synagogue a building that reflects our vibrant, expanding community. Just think about the improvements we’ll see come the High Holidays, and the start of Hebrew and Sunday schools. We’re asking you to think of the future too.

If we can raise $300,000 by May 7, the Matcher’s Minyan will double that. That’s only two days away, so if you haven’t helped yet, please do so – and if you have, maybe there’s more? Or encourage your friends and neighbors to give a gift.

There’s also a host of other ways to continue giving, and they are certainly welcome and encouraged. So if now’s not the time for your contribution, please consider us in the coming weeks and months.

Cost Estimates DROP!

File under: the bad economy's silver lining.

Bids now coming in for synagogue work show that prices look to be approximately $500,000 less than previously thought.

That's right -- a half million dollars less!

According to those in the know, the difference has to do with an overall drop in the cost of construction since the economy tanked (and since the first part of this Capital Campaign was launched).

We've done our part, cutting the cost significantly -- won't you do yours, and contribute to the fund so we can start fixing our synagogue?

Save the Date -- March 6

It's hard to know where we're going if we don't where we came from. That's why PSJC members have been collecting stories and photos for an exhibit of the community's century-plus history.

The exhibit kicks off with a reception and cocktails Saturday, March 6, at PSJC.

More details to follow, but for now, please mark your calenders!

Adding Up the Little Things

Not all the fixes around the synagogue involve major work. Some are simple, annual upkeep needs, but the problems add up -- both in terms of cost, and the quality of the synagogue's daily use.

The Maintenance Committee's Ezra Goldstein shed some light on the most pressing issues. The front steps were sealed in the fall, but leaks have begun again, exacerbated by December's snow. Cracks riddle the stairs, and someone has to make sure there's a big trash can in the boiler room to catch the drips that fall from every major snow or rain storm.

The current synagogue entrance was never meant to be anything more than a side door, and the traffic, as well as misuse from those who try to force the door, constantly wears out the lock.

"And, of course, there is the regular winter problem of the inadequate storm drain on the north side of the building," Ezra said. "I'm hoping we can make it to spring before we have to get the drain snaked out again. We'll see if a lake starts to form in the side yard as all this snow melts."

He's still waiting to hear how much a new lock would cost. A stop-gap for the steps runs $350. A bid for $3,000 would more permanently seal the steps, although not indefinitely. Snaking the drain runs $125 every time -- money that likely could be better spent on a more reliable fix.