Beth El Voorhees Construction Updates

A New Day Dawns!

2008-12-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Phase one of our construction is almost complete! The new entrance will be open on Monday, January 5th! Parking on that day will return to the Beth El lot. Construction on the sanctuary, social hall, chapel and learning center will continue behind a temporary wall, but we will have clear access from the main entrance to the offices, youth lounge, Beit Midrash and classroom wings.

Once again, we ask for your patience and understanding as we transition into our new beautiful facilities. We are close to seeing our dream become a reality!

Building takes shape

2008-04-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Social Hall in progress

2008-03-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

The steel is coming, the steel is coming!

2008-03-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

A large crane will be arriving next week (on or about 3/17th) to start erecting the steel beams that will frame out our new building. Keep a watchful eye and give yourself extra time when passing by as this promises to be a sight you won’t want to miss. The children will be in awe, like they’re watching Bob The Builder! Please remember that the safety of our children is of utmost importance and we will continue to communicate with you as the construction progresses.

Parking Alert!

2008-02-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

On Thursday March 6,2008 AT&T will be upgrading the antennas on the roof of Plaza 1000. They will have a large crane set up by the parking lot we use (in front of Catelli's). It will not take away any parking spaces but will have an effect on traffic flow. If the weather does not cooperate it is possible that this happens a day or two later. It will only last one day.

New Building Takes Shape!

2008-02-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

The construction excitement continues as the cement slabs were poured on what will be our new classrooms and administrative wing. The cinder block walls of the Chapel are also going up. Over the next couple of weeks the outside wall of the social hall and classrooms will begin. Early March will see the arrival of the steel that will be used to frame the new Synagogue. It will now be easy to see the progress of construction from the street.

Parking and Gutters and Rain, oh my!

2007-11-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

1) The Brandywine parking garage is re-opening Friday which should reduce congestion in the Catelli parking lot.
2) Construction of a new emergency door for the 200 wing is scheduled tobegin on Monday. Classes in room 205 will be temporarily relocated forapproximately 2-3 weeks.
3) We are aware of the inconvenience caused by the water overflow from the gutters. The house committee has met with and obtained bids from 3 companies for repair and replacement of the gutters and soffets around the entire building. We apologize for the delay, we are coordinating the repair with the design of the new building elements.

Parking: Good or Evil?

2007-10-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, the parking structure will be closed until the end of November, putting pressure on the Catelli's lot. Please do not double-park in the Catelli's lot...this will cause navigation and collision issues for us all.

If there are no spots by Catelli's, please bite the bullet and walk from the Beth El lot. In fact, 1) it might be faster to park there since you won't spend time driving around Catelli's lot looking for a spot, and 2) it's great excercise!

Thanks for your patience as we face these minor obstacles together!

Chaos and Confusion!

2007-09-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

We are aware of the difficulties (or challenges) that have accompanied the new dismissal patterns at BERS and Hebrew High. We are working diligently to put better procedures into place. Please be patient and we will make the necessary changes to help things run smoother. This is a stressful time for all of us, and your cooperation and suggestions are invited and encouraged. Thank you for helping!

Frequently Asked Questions

2007-08-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

Where should I park during construction? We will continue to have use of most of the Beth El parking lot along with the Brandywine parking lot (near Catellis Restaurant). The new walkway was created to serve both parking areas.

Where will the Main Entrance be located during construction? As of Wednesday August 22nd the new Main Entrance will be located at the end of the 100 wing by the playground. There is a new sidewalk leading from both parking lots to the entrance which will be clearly marked.

Where do I go for general synagogue business (i.e. buy Scrip, make a donation, get High Holiday tickets, etc)? Once you enter the building through the “new” main entrance, the administrative office will be on your right in Room 110. If you prefer to call, please note that the phone system will continue to work as usual throughout the construction process.

Who can answer any questions I may have during the construction? Feel free to call the administrative offices at 675-1166 ext 139 and your question or concern will be directed to the appropriate person. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Progress to date

2007-08-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

The walkway leading to the new Main Entrance is complete.
The ECC, BERS and Beth El administrative offices have moved to Rooms 109 and 110.
The Main Entrance will be relocated as of Wednesday August 22nd, 2007- the same security system will be in place, using a camera, monitor and buzzer.
On Thursday August 23rd, 2007, offices for Rabbi Krupnick, Rabbi Arnowitz, the Executive Director and the bookkeeping staff will be relocated to trailers located just outside of room 110.
The library has moved to room 211, and the gift shop will re-open soon in room 109.
All offices and new entrances will be clearly marked.

Timeline Announced!

2007-08-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

As of today, the main entrance is still open and functioning as usual. The new fencing has closed off the circular drive and center walkway. The entrance is still accessible from the parking lot via the sidewalk alongthe circular drive. Over the next few weeks, many things will be happening.

Sunday, August 12 Phase I

Work on the new walkway has begun and the playground fencing will be moved to allow access to the new entrance.
The ECC and BERS offices are scheduled to move on Friday, August 17th to rooms 109/110. This move will also include Shirley Yaffa and Margie Blum. The ECC offices will be open, ut the other administrative offices will be closed for the day.
A wall will be put up outside of the Hazzan's office, blocking off the front of the building.
Construction of a new hallway and entrance into the Beit Midrash will begin immediately after the move on August 17th.
The phone system will continue to work.
Procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the children. On Monday August 20, 2007 we will begin using the new clearly marked entrance. A new security door will be created inside the 100 wing to maintain the same level of security we currently have for our ECC and BERS children.

Thursday, August 23rd Phase II

Trailers will be located on the grounds near the BERS playground and will house offices for Rabbi Krupnick, Rabbi Arnowitz, Shari Smith, Hanina Ruttenberg, bookkeeping (Pat and Laura) and Margie Blum.

All of these changes will be occurring over the next few weeks so that daycare, preschool and religious school can begin in September without delay or interruption. Things are really happening at Beth El! Your patience and support during the transition period is greatly appreciated.

Things are really happening…..

2007-08-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Preliminary groundwork has begun in preparation for our construction. As of Tuesday July 31st, perimeter fencing has blocked off the circular drive for thru-traffic, eliminating the use of the center walkway from the parking lot.

The main parking lot continues to be accessible with the exception of the far strip of spots where 15 minute parking used to be. That strip of land will be used for construction trailers, equipment, etc. The front entrance and existing walkway will remain open until further notice.

From the Transition Committee

2007-05-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Construction of our new building will begin this summer!

Please be patient during our transition. The safety of our members is the number one concern of the transition committee. In preparing for the start of construction, there have been meetings with representatives from the Construction Company (Blackman & Co.) and Voorhees Police regarding traffic, parking and the safety of our children both inside and outside the building.

If you have any questions or concerns while we are under construction, please call our administrative office at 675-1166 ext.139. The transition committee will do their best, along with the staff, to plan ahead and communicate with you as quickly and as clearly as possible. Please watch for regular updates in the Beth El News, on our website (www.bethelsnj.org) and via email.

Again, please be patient during this transition period to help everything run smoothly and most importantly- keep everyone safe.

Changes During Construction

Blackman & Co. will be fencing off the last row of spots in our parking lot closest to Evesham Rd. for their equipment, trailers, etc. The remainder of the parking lot will still be available.

When construction begins, the main entrance will be closed off and relocated to the last door of the 100 (ECC) wing. There will be new signs posted to help direct you to the new entrance.

The Brandywine/Catelli parking lot alongside the ECC playground will be available for additional parking and ECC drop off/pick-up.

There will be a new concrete walkway created from both parking lots to the new entrance. There will be 2 bus stop type shelters along the new walkway for shelter during inclement weather as well as being a safe-zone for parents to meet their children.

The new walkway will run alongside the interior fence of the playground, meeting up at the existing sidewalk along the building, leading over to the new main entrance. The ECC playground equipment will be consolidated, and there will be a new fence erected to make the playground self-contained.

All security cameras and equipment will be transferred to that doorway. Anyone entering the building will still have to be buzzed in just as we currently do. In order to maintain the same level of security that we currently have, there will be a new security door built in the hallway. This will keep the children in a secure environment with only parents and staff having access to the classrooms.

Relocation of Offices

The current foyer/lobby area which includes the ECC office, library, bookkeeping office, gift shop, clergy and administrative offices will be closed off during the transition and offices will be relocated.

The Beit Midrash, the two classroom wings and a vestibule outside the Hazzan’s office will be accessible during construction

Rabbi Krupnick & Rabbi Arnowitz will primarily use their Chapel Ave. offices; along with relocated office space in Voorhees. Hazzan Pomerantz-Boro will remain in her current office in Voorhees.

Early Childhood, Religious School and administrative offices will be relocated to the first two classrooms as you enter through the new entrance. Additional office space will be relocated to a temporary trailer.

The gift shop and library will be relocated to other classrooms. The library will have reduced hours over the summer.

In Conclusion

Thank you again for your patience and understanding.
During the construction of our new synagogue,
we will watch together with pride and
joy as our dreams turn into reality.

Groundbreaking Dedication

2006-09-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ground Breaking Dedication – September 17, 2006
By Rabbi Aaron Krupnick
Eighty five years ago, our spiritual forbearers, bold men and women of vision, stood together to dedicate the first congregation Beth El, then in Camden New Jersey. Many of them were recent immigrants, or the children of European parents. Fate had brought them to South Jersey, but a sense of destiny had led them to put down roots. Then, 39 years ago, in response to the growth that had stemmed from those roots, construction began on a new Beth El, one that would build on the vision of those who had come before. And now, two generations later, we are the branches that grow from the Etz Chayim, the Tree of Life, that is Beth El. The buds and flowers that will emerge from these branches will be the next generation of Jewish leaders, those who will someday thank us for the effort we are about to undertake. On September 13, 1998 we dedicated our new school building with an enrollment of about 200. Today we have over 600 children under our tutelage and care – and we are just getting started.
It is with great humility that I, as Spiritual Leader of this great and mighty congregation, offer the following prayer of invocation and consecration:
Almighty Gd, and Gd of our Ancestors:
We have come here today to hallow Your name by breaking ground on this site for a Bet Kinneset dedicated to You. In this most significant hour, we invoke Your blessings upon the work of our hands.
Thirty centuries ago, You commanded our ancestors, ”V’Asoo Lee mikdash….”
“Make for Me a sanctuary that I may dwell in their midst.” From that day to this, their descendants have established houses of worship wherever they dwelled. We recall today those who built the First and Second Temples. We remember those who built the simple shuls of Europe as well as the many lavish congregations destroyed by enemies of our People in ancient times and not so very long ago. Our success will be their victory – the triumph over death that only spiritual life can bring
This morning we of this community, young and old, have gathered to take the first step in the physical construction of a magnificent new building, with the hope of consecrating it to You, our Torah, and Your Holy People. Fully do we realize the magnitude of this undertaking; well do we comprehend the tremendous responsibilities we have assumed by beginning this work. Grant us Your assistance to complete this work, for the glory of your name and the sake of Israel.
We consecrate this site as Admat Kodesh, sacred ground, whereupon we shall endeavor to perpetuate and vitalize the faith we have inherited – for ourselves, for our children, and for future generations of Jews. We are thankful, dear Gd, for the spirited men and women who have given their support thus far in our labors; for the many of our community who have responded enthusiastically to our call and made possible the genesis of this holy work.
Bless all those whose shared vision has helped to make this moment possible. May this momentous occasion inspire all of us to continue our efforts with love and devotion until we have completed that which we have begun today. May we work together to create a home in which You, and we are truly blessed. AMEN.