With a new mezuza in place and a “Sheheheyanu,” a group of 120 well-wishers were on hand to officially open the refurbished Cooperman JCC in West Orange.

The hanukat habayit — dedication ceremony — held Jan. 30 at the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, was held even though the final touches of the 16-month, $23 million renovation —which includes the Sharon and Stephen Seiden Early Childhood Center; Steiner Court, an atrium named for Sylvia and David Steiner; and the Allen and Joan Bildner and Bildner Family Foundation Fitness Center — are still being made.

“What we are celebrating,” said JCC MetroWest board of trustees chair Dolly Luwisch, “is everything that this building makes possible. We are celebrating community.”

“Community” and “celebration” were oft-repeated themes throughout the evening.

“We celebrate our new doors, our renewed commitment to making sure that our JCC is open to all who are open to our beliefs,” said JCC MetroWest executive director Michael Hopkins.

Sharon and Stephen Seiden offered a d’var Torah, connecting the evening’s purpose — posting the mezuza at the new entrance to the childcare center — with ancient times.

“To be Jewish is to be in the midst of an ongoing project, to realize that we are part of the process that began long ago…and one that will not end in our lifetime,” Sharon Seiden said.

The renovations may be in the final stages, she noted, but “the journey is far from over. As we affix the mezuza this evening, we do so with the knowledge that we have expanded our Jewish community center to welcome even more of the Jewish community.”

“It’s a big day,” Leon Cooperman told NJ Jewish News after the ceremony, which included a musical presentation by Kol Dodi: The Midrasha Jewish Community Chorale. “The JCC is probably…the most outstanding institution in the community. It services the entire needs of the community, from toddlers to senior citizens. You can see all the youngsters working out, improving their bodies and their minds at this great facility and we’re just tickled pink that we’re in a position where we can help out and give back something,” he said.

Campaign and honorary chairs for the event also included Judy and Lester Lieberman, Joyce and Neil Goldstein, Joan and Allen Bildner, Sylvia and David Steiner, Lore and Eric Ross, Alan Sagner, and Audrey and Norbert Gaelen.