OUR COMMUNITY
O
n Dec. 17, Temple Shir Shalom
congregants and rabbis celebrated
the dedication of several dramatic
outdoor and indoor additions to the tem-
ple, which was originally built in 1995. The
money for the expansion has so far been
raised through generous donations by its
members.
Every aspect of Temple Shir Shalom and
the expansion has been inspired by the
Torah. The original vision was created by
the congregation’s founding rabbi, Dannel
I. Schwartz, who was killed in an automo-
bile accident this past October.
Expansion includes beautiful outdoor
spaces as well as multipurpose indoor
spiritual, community and sacred spaces
that will benefit the nearly 1,000 families
who are proud members of Temple Shir
Shalom. A preschool and religious school
have also been constructed. Members will
be able to have all of their needs met for
the first time, on one campus.
“Our dream has always been to complete
the Torah (part of the original construc-
tion), for our building to house all of our
programs, all of our families and find ways
to engage our members every single day,”
said Rabbi Michael Moskowitz. “With
Phase 1 of our new space complete, it is
our blessing opening and using this new
space that will carry us into the future.”
Rabbi Daniel Schwartz added, “The
project is a dream come true. The ability
to have all our programs centered under
one roof allows us to expand our mission
of bringing goodness, love and depth into
our world.”
The dedication ceremony included
speeches from the rabbis; Shir Shalom
President Allison Parr, Project Chair
Gary Shuman and Congresswoman Haley
Stevens, as well as songs by the Temple’s
choir led by Cantor Penny Steyer, tours of
the news spaces and a festive brunch.
For the fi
rst time, Shir Shalom congregants have all
their needs met on one campus.
Expansion Complete
JN STAFF
28 | JANUARY 4 • 2024 J
N
CLOCKWISE: Temple Shir Shalom
congregants packed the sanctuary for
the expansion dedication. Rabbi Michael
Moskowitz and Gary Shuman. The
expansion included a multipurpose indoor
space. The Temple’s choir led by Cantor
Penny Steyer. A new mezuzah will dedicate
the new space.
COURTESY OF TEMPLE SHIR SHALOM