PSJC Capital Campaign

Construction begins!

2010-05-25T09:49:00.001-04:00

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

2010-05-05T08:18:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-02-03T19:02:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-21T20:39:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-04T22:52:00.002-05:00

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.

Help Us Trace Our Past

2009-12-21T11:55:00.003-05:00

As we plan for the future, PSJC is working to document the past for an upcoming historical exhibit. We need information and photos from PSJC's history to answer questions such as:

· Who were the people responsible for our beautiful building?
· How did the synagogue begin and grow?
· What did the space look like over the years and how did it change?

Specifically, we're looking for:

Photos of the shul - interior or exterior - the earlier the better!
Any existing historical information that you know of, such as membership records, deeds, donations ...
Any names of people you remember from your early days at the shul, and if you happen to know of children or grandchildren of those members.
Any other interesting tidbit about the shul building or past that you might have.

Please share all your memories - even if incomplete. We'll do whatever legwork is necessary to follow up on them. Please contact Lisa Altshuler or Annette Jaffe at capital.campaign@psjc.org, or call Lisa at 718-789-2480 or 347-613-9302.

The Men's Room

2009-12-15T16:12:00.003-05:00

Here at the PSJC Capital Campaign, we know we're asking for a lot. $1.75 million ain't chump change, and people want to know why the synagogue needs so much. It's a fair question, and on this blog we'll do our best to answer it.

First up: the men's room. In this case, photos definitely speak louder than words. While arguably only used by about half the congregation, at the same time, we think you'll agree it's pretty bad. We're not talking about out-of-date color or missing toilet paper, but cracked doors, broken tile and heaven knows what on the walls (I believe that would be the leak damage).

What fixes does PSJC most need in your eyes? Let us know, and we'll describe and shoot it in future blog entries.

David Cooper braved the men's room for the following photos.

Looking for a Laptop

2009-12-10T18:15:00.003-05:00

Have an extra laptop around the house? The Capital Campaign would love to take it off your hands. We've got software and talented designers, but we lack tools for either. Please keep us in mind if you've got an extra you want to recycle. This would be a great way to get rid of a student's old computer if they're getting a new one for the holidays. The donation is tax-deductible. E-mail us: capital.campagin@psjc.org.

A Channukah Gift and A Mitzvah

2009-12-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Looking for a creative Channukah that doubles as a mitzvah? Make a donation to the Capital Campaign in a loved ones' honor. The Capital Campaign will e-mail a gift certificate that you can download and print. To donate, contact the Capital Campaign. All donations will be listed in the January "What’s Happening?" bulletin.

Welcome

2009-11-23T15:40:00.003-05:00

The first time my husband walked into PSJC, he couldn't stop talking about the sanctuary -- the murals and dome, the intricate woodwork, and of course, the kavanah. It wasn't until later, after we'd come to services a few times, after we'd tried to navigate the narrow, crowded stairs after Kol Nidre or sweated during afternoon services, that we realized the jewel of the sanctuary was encased in a building desperate for modernization and repair.

Simply bringing the building into the 21st century will take $1.75 million. The Capital Campaign committee acknowledges that's a great deal of money, especially in our current economic climate. But just as so many of us have needed PSJC, now PSJC needs us -- to continue shoring up the building after water damage, to ensure there's room for students and adults to continue learning, and to create a synagogue that is truly a community gathering place.

The PSJC Capital Campaign committee wants this process to be as open as possible. We'll show you exactly what the money will be spent on, how the fundraising is going and ways to get involved. Questions? Don't hesitate to contact us.