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