On March 2, Congregation Etz Chayim [CEC], which has about 400 family memberships held its first Shabbat service in its new building at 1155 Wilkes. About 250 people attended this freilach event.

As Avrom Charach, the President of the CEC explains regarding the purchase of the property, “We purchased the property with a mortgage facility, of which we have paid off the majority.  When we established our fundraising campaign, it was with an eye to be mortgage-free by the time that all pledges have been paid in full.  Of course, our campaign started last summer, stopped for the CJA moratorium and then was also paused after October 7 until December.  In fact we have not yet contacted all of our members but will be doing so over the coming few months.  We are hopeful we will reach our $3.8 million campaign target.” AS of now CEC has raised more than half  its campaign goal and is close to closing a few more large gifts.  Our general membership campaign will start in late March.”

The seating in the sanctuary is described by Charach as “completely flexible.” He elaborates, “In standard rows, we can seat about 350 people  In prayer in the round this is reduced to about 260 people.  We have not yet tested but the seating for banquets will likely be about 250 people depending on whether people want a dance floor.

Of course we also have our kiddush room which is right beside the sanctuary and using technology can be part of what happens in that room.” Additionally Charach notes that when the building at Wilkes was first purchased, CEC thought that they would seek to enlarge the building but  the architects figured out a way to make the sanctuary larger without the need to expand the building. 

When I was at the synagogue I was impressed with the way everything sounded. The microphones were really clear and you can hear everything perfectly. The Sound and video system was designed and installed by Barry Kay @ Cherry Tree Productions.

When asked about yarzheit plaques Charach notes that,“The physical yarzheit plaques are in storage and may be incorporated in the property in the future.  With thanks to the JFM, we have installed a computerized system which has all of the plaques listed.  This system improves in many ways in that it can feature the yahrzeits for a certain day, and people can search out names via a touch screen.  It also allows us to add photos and short bios to the plaques.”

Lisa Odwak is the “preferred caterer” of CEC, and in this capacity “will provide excellent service while reducing our costs and what we charge our members for many of our menu items."As Charach indicates, “She will either use our kitchen or another approved kosher kitchen to prepare food, depending on the size of the function.  We will offer catered meals and other events at the shul.  Our newly hired Lifecycle co-ordinator and spiritual concierge, Morissa Granove, will work with families to ensure the success of events.”

Charach points out that there are many aspects of the new building that will “that bring Matheson with us.” The three large sets of stained glass windows from the Matheson building have been installed in the new building. "When we opened our members walked into a foyer with two panes, one on either side of the entrance to our Kiddush room.  The other 2 sets of windows are inside our sanctuary, on either side of entrances.  These backlit windows are an integral part of bringing the feeling of Matheson to Wilkes." 

CEC brought its large aron and redesigned the aron in new chapel, using its stained glass and doors.  “The Holocaust memorial is a prominent feature in our chapel, with only the base being changed to match the white oak we are using throughout our building.  The Tree of Life from our former front lobby is in our new front lobby,” Charch states.

When the building was first opened, “almost every single honour was given to our youngest members and their children.” We have left the past behind on Matheson and have begun with a fresh start on Wilkes, without  ignoring our history.”

The Chanukat Habayit Committee is planning a soft opening on Sunday in April so it is easy for members to attend.  “We will show off the completed building, and do some things to formally consecrate some of our spaces.  It will be an opportunity to see how wonderful this new space is.”

“It will also be a time to thank the tens of members who helped us with planning, packing, and organizing this once in a lifetime move,” Charach adds.

He also says, "We committed to a change in many ways.  We have come through with a brand new space that will feel like home immediately.  I have now started to say that Etz Chayim decided we should shake the tree with this move.  I am confident that this move has set ourselves up to be a successful center for spiritual practice in our community for generations to come."