•TNCelebrate AMAZING what the RIGHT DRESS can do. A Place To Party ca a Cantor Samuel Greenbaum and administrator Barbara Cook prepare for an event in Beth Shalom's social hall. 06 Al / Go4 L5 APPAREL • ACCESSORIES • NOVELTIES Inside the Orchard Mall Open Sundays 12-5 (248) 851-1260 Area congregations say social halls are worth the effort, providing congregants with a convenient setting to carry on the simcha. JILL DAVIDSON SKLAR Special to The Jewish News SIMONE VITALE BILL MEYER JERRY FENBY HOT ICE TEEN ANGELS THE CONTOURS SIMONE VITALE QUIET STORM PERSUASION SUN MESSENGERS SUNSET BOULEVARD TIM HEWITT LOVING CUP 3/20 1998 C40 HOT ICE.. BILL MEYER RENNIE KAUFFMAN FENBY-CARR ERIC HARRIS-DJ PLEASE CALL FOR ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY APPOINTMENT 248-553-9966 hen the leaders of Con- gregation Beth Shalom were considering a facelift for the shul, one of the first and biggest areas targeted for reno- vation was the social hall. The change wasn't made simply because the circa 1970 heavy brown paneling, thin brown carpeting and dim lighting was out of step with the 1990s. The decorating scheme was not a draw to the dozens of families holding sim- chas at the synagogue who then booked other venues for the ensuing celebra- tions. "The brides and grooms and their families were booking places outside of the synagogue or going to other syna- gogues for their weddings because of how drab and dreary the social hall was," said Art Langer, past president of the Conservative congregation in Oak Park. So the congregation poured almost $1 million into a massive overhaul. Where the thin, dark floor once lay is a light, plush carpeting; where less-than- attractive fixtures blinked, new gold wall scones illuminate; where heavy paneling clung, new wall surfaces lend their touch to an airy, open environ- ment. A chic entry way, complete with ceramic tile, and a new foyer brim with sunlight. And all of the work achieved the desired effect. Bookings are up signifi- candy since the social hall reopened for business and congregants are staying at Beth Shalom for their simchas. "They are ecstatic. Bookings are way up," said Barbara Cook, executive direc- tor of the congregation. "It is like the whole place is reinvigorated." Like many other area synagogues and temples, Congregation Beth Shalom realized the social hall was not simply a place to stuff spillover ticket holders on the High Holidays; instead, it is a service to the congregants as well as a showplace and point of pride for the entire congregation and the Jewish community. And it is a potential money maker. Although no local temple or synagogue officials would comment on how much of the overall annual income could be attributed to the use of the social hall, all said having the hall was a definite benefit for the shuls. And with all of the maintenance, polishing and updating that goes into the halls, it is clear that they are here to stay.