Only a month after President Julie Liss-Katz announced the launch of a special $300,000 campaign at Beth Abraham’s annual meeting May 13, the congregation had already raised $258,600, with 100% board participation.

Liss-Katz said the campaign bridges the gap between insurance coverage and restoration needs from the Feb. 19 sprinkler pipe break that flooded Beth Abraham’s building. She said the campaign also extends to tackling upcoming maintenance needs now.

“While the ceilings and the walls were exposed for restoration, we decided we would look at everything that might need repair. That way, we wouldn’t have to, in the near future, break down a wall or take down a ceiling.”

Liss-Katz anticipates the synagogue will wrap up the fundraising campaign by the High Holidays. “We’re not going to do a Yom Kippur appeal,” she said. “We’re doing very well. This is going to supersede that.”

— Marshall Weiss

To read the complete July 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.