Beth Chayim Chadashim

A children's choir was formed, family Shabbat dinners and services expanded, and more BCC children became bar or bat mitzvah in our shul. In 2007 BCC hired an Education Director, Leah Zimmerman, and Ohr Chayim grew into a Shabbat morning school and family service meeting three times each month during the school year. BCC students could now prepare for b'nai mitzvah ceremonies in their home shul, and parents and other family members could also have a chance to participate fully (rather than dropping the kids off and picking them up later). In 2006 Men's Havurah chair Jerry Nodiff and Mike Halstater spearheaded a series of Shabbat services, panel discussions, and cultural events known as "Bridges to Understanding," bringing together Jewish, Muslim, and Christian speakers for dialogue with BCC members. Another group, led by Ray Eelsing, created a L'Chayim Legacy Circle to educate congregants about estate planning, encourage them to remember BCC in their wills, and honor those who choose to do so. In 2007-09, student rabbi Joe Hample expanded BCC's adult education programming with his "Evolution of Judaism" series and other innovative courses. Our most recent student rabbi, Dr. Rachel Adler, shared with us the insights of her 40 years of leadership as a Jewish feminist scholar. While all this new programming was being implemented, Brett also began working toward the fulfillment of BCC's long-time dream of a new synagogue home. BCC had outgrown its facility at 6000 W. Pico Blvd. years earlier and had considered finding a new building for many years, but had always concluded it was not financially possible. Brett engaged an outside consultant in 2006 for a feasibility study on a capital campaign for the purchase and renovation of a new building in which BCC could expand its services and programs further and grow its membership. By the beginning of 2007, BCC had exceeded all expectations by raising over $2 million in pledges from some 35 individuals and couples, with all members to be offered the chance to participate (the total eventually exceeded $3 million). In March 2007 we began a series of focus groups to solicit input on a shared vision for our new home, including such questions as where it should be located, how many rooms it should contain (full kitchen, social hall, classrooms, office space, etc.), and what artistic designs it should reflect. In the meantime a search began for a suitable building. Survivor Scrolls Reunion.