BA capital campaign

Marshall Weiss

The Dayton Jewish Observer

Congregation halfway toward goal for Oakwood synagogue

In July, Beth Abraham Synagogue Capital Campaign Chairs Renate Frydman and Bernie Rabinowitz announced that the congregation was launching the public phase of its $7 million campaign for its planned Oakwood site — with $3.5 million already raised.

Beth Abraham has entered a purchase agreement to secure a minimum of 4.5 acres of land at Sugar Camp — along with two buildings on the site — from congregants Sandy Mendelson, Allan Rinzler, and Lee Schear, who purchased the 24-acre campus from NCR on May 1.

On April 26, the Beth Abraham board approved pursuing the Sugar Camp location for the synagogue’s new home.

“I am immensely proud of the participation of our congregants,” Rabinowitz said.

Of the $7 million goal, $2 million will be allocated to the building and land purchase. Another $3 million will go toward improvements to the building and the land.

The congregation will earmark $1 million for professional fees, carrying costs, furnishings, fixtures and equipment, as well as to bridge any under-funding gaps.

Another $1 million will be directed to Beth Abraham’s endowment.

Working with the congregation is professional campaign consultant Chuck Wolfe.

Beth Abraham has also hired Brackett Builders of Troy for pre-construction consultation, project management and supervision. Brackett built the Boonshoft CJCE in Centerville.