Leaders of the Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth taking part in the groundbreaking May 4 to replace sections of the synagogue destroyed in a fire almost two years ago are, from left, Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Michael Kaplan, Helen Kaplan, Harriet Tabak, Joseph Tabak, Sam Kamens, Rabbi Emeritus Yakov Hilsenrath, and Devorah Hilsenrath.
May 20, 2008
A Highland Park synagogue celebrated the opening phase of construction meant to replace structures lost in a devastating fire almost two years ago.
An overcast sky could not dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered May 4 for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony outside the Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth.
Wearing yellow hardhats bearing the temple’s logo and date of the ceremony, religious and political leaders spilled down the front lawn and onto South Third Avenue, which had been blocked off for the ceremony.
The event marked the beginning of the design phase (planners expect crews to officially break ground in early summer).
But to celebrants, it marked the beginning of a new era for the congregation, which never missed a beat in programming or religious services despite damage from the nine-hour blaze on Aug. 24, 2006.
The project will increase the synagogue’s size by about 5,000 square feet, mostly through enlargement of the sanctuary, which for the first time will have its ark aligned eastward toward Jerusalem.
The building will be brought up to full fire and handicapped accessibility codes, including the installation of an elevator and sprinkler system throughout the facility.
Two adjacent lots on Benner Street, purchased by the synagogue before the fire with an eye toward an unspecified future expansion, will be incorporated into the improvement plan, allowing for the expansion and construction of a 21-space parking lot.
Completion is expected in 2009 in time for the High Holy Days.
The project is expected to cost about $4.5 million. A “Livnot” (Builders) Campaign has so far brought in about $2.8 million toward its original goal of $3 million, according to president Sam Kamens, who now expects to surpass that original mark.
The temple also has received about $1.25 million in insurance money.
“We are hopeful we can fund the entire project without a long-term mortgage,” said Kamens. “We are hopeful every member will give at whatever level they are able.”
The ceremony took place at the top of the stairs just outside the synagogue’s doors with Kamens, Rabbi Eliot Malomet, Rabbi Emeritus Yakov Hilsenrath, Cantor Michael Weis, and Highland Park Council President Elsie Foster-Dublin.
“From the moment disaster struck our beloved temple we never said, ‘Woe unto us,’” said Hilsenrath. “It is time for us to move onto our future, to plant a tree, to break ground and plant a seed, to put that seed in the ground. That is what we will do today…We break ground and plant a seed for Torah and for the future of the Jewish people.”
Malomet said the congregation viewed the fire as an opportunity to make long-dreamed-of changes — aesthetic and religious — to a synagogue that has continued to grow in membership even in the face of adversity.
The more-than-500-family synagogue now has its highest membership in its 77-year-history, helped by a previously planned merger with Anshe Emeth of South River about six months after the fire.
Sam Kamens, president of Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth, addresses the crowd gathered May 4 for a groundbreaking to replace parts of the synagogue lost in a fire almost two years ago. Behind him are, from left, Cantor Michael Weis, Highland Park Council President Elsie Foster-Dublin, Rabbi Emeritus Yakov Hilsenrath, and Rabbi Eliot Malomet. Photos by Debra Rubin
The ceremony drew a number of political leaders, including Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-Dist. 6), Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Dist. 17), Middlesex County Freeholder Director David Crabiel, and Highland Park council members.
Later during the inside reception, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) made a campaign stop, causing a stir as people took out cell phones to snap photos of him posing with their families.
Lautenberg said the temple’s rebuilding was “so characteristic of our people” after tragedies, including the Holocaust.
“I am so proud of our people and our heritage,” said Lautenberg. “If there never had been this strength there never would have been an Israel.”
The architectural plans by Callori Architects of Leonia incorporate green features such as a modern air conditioning and heating system and additional trees and trellises outside the building. Kamens said the temple is also investigating the use of solar panels.
Ken Holdowsky, who grew up in the temple, noted the significance of the day.
“It is bringing a sense of transformation from the depression of witnessing the fire to renewal and rebuilding,” he said. “They’ll be better steps ahead — giant steps.”
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