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.