In Congregation B’nai Israel’s new sanctuary, Cantor Shana Onigman leads the children of the synagogue’s religious school in song.
Photos by Carolina Wahnish Rivera
At the dedication of Congregation B’nai Israel’s new sanctuary, Rabbi John Schechter, left, looks on as Katie Strickburger reads a prayer, surrounded by, from left, Hannah Kumpfer, Cantor Shana Onigman, Bob and Nancy Novack, and Daniel Marks.
September 25, 2008
Accompanied by the lively strains of a klezmer band, members of Congregation B’nai Israel, the Conservative congregation founded 18 years ago in Basking Ridge, dedicated their new sanctuary on Sept. 21.
The ceremony was led by Rabbi John Schechter and Cantor Shana Onigman. The Intergenerational Choir sang as a processional of people carrying the synagogue’s Torah scrolls made its way to the new home accompanied by congregants and their families. Among the guests were U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-Dist. 11); State Assemblywoman Denise Coyle; and Bernards Township Committee members Mary Pavlini, John Millay, and Scott Spitzer.
The sanctuary is built to seat 280 people but can be expanded for larger events. The structure also includes a smaller, more intimate gathering room, a catering kitchen, and social hall.
Founded in 1990, the congregation now has over 280 families, a religious school with more than 40 b’nei mitzva children a year, educational programming for its congregants and the broader community, and a nondenominational preschool.
It moved to its present site at 40 Whitenack Road in 1995 when the members purchased five acres of property from the Summit Speech School. In 2001, the first phase of the building opened with office space, 11 classrooms, and a multipurpose room that served as a sanctuary. That room will now serve as meeting space for less formal events.
--TOP--
Comment: comments@njjewishnews.com
