AUGUST 4 • 2022 | 25
who has led the congregation since 2002
and gave his input for the renovation. “The
community is full of children and young
families, and that reflects the growth,
vibrancy and excitement we have in look-
ing forward.”
A NEW LOOK
Brown volunteered to be the central con-
tractor based on his experience with his
own two buildings designed for specialized
professional use. With the agreement of
the synagogue board, they decided on light
colors for the wood and upholstery, which
is beige, and the carpeting, which is grayish
blue.
It was decided that the room would be
configured with moveable pews to adapt to
different events. An extra aisle was added
so there were three instead of two.
“I found out where there’s a will there’s a
way,” Brown said. “You can do it so I took
it upon myself to start the process. I chose
the different subcontractors with the help
of our custodian, Mike Crnkovich, who
had experience using different contractors
for his business. I also reached out to the
president of Young Israel of Oak Park, Gil
Stebbins, because that synagogue renovated
their sanctuary.
“Both men had names of companies we
could use; and for other companies, I did
my own investigation.”
An important part of the renovation
was the choice of shtenders, places to hold
books and personal items, such as a tallit.
It’s a three-way design that can go flat or
turn into a box. It has double shelves so it
can hold a number of items.
“It took two years to complete the proj-
ect,” Brown said. “We had to wait for the
seating to be delivered from Israel, where
materials were made at a kibbutz, Lavi.
Also, we were stopped along the way
because of COVID.”
The renovation included times of non-
work, sometimes as long as six months.
During those times, services and events
were managed in the social hall.
“This renovation brings a certain amount
of high spirituality, enthusiasm and sense
of family to our services and programs,”
Brown said. “We don’t have a very big
membership, but we’re very close and com-
munity-minded. We’re like one big family.”
The remodeled sanctuary is going to be
called the Gonik Family Sanctuary because
of that family’s commitment to the project.
It will be dedicated in autumn with a date
to be decided. At this time, an inside sign is
being made by a professional company to
designate the name. Tentatively, there will
be a ceremony followed by a luncheon and
activities.
“We’re a very welcoming synagogue,”
Brown said. “We love guests, and we hope
we attract more members by upgrading.”
The rabbi agrees.
“The renovation freshened up the sanc-
tuary,” the rabbi said. “It’s brighter with
comfortable seating. It feels very inviting
and welcoming.
“They’re all soft colors in the renovation.
We had to reconfigure things for praying in
our social hall, and it was a good lesson for
life. Any time you’re facing challenges, just
figure out how to make it work.”
Congregants gather in
the refurbished sanctuary.
COURTESY YIS
Light colors and comfortable
seating were a priority.