Mizrachi Bondi set for upgrade
MIZRACHI Bondi has kicked off its most ambitious project in more than 45 years – raising $2.25 million to refurbish and upgrade the shule to meet the demands of its growing congregation.
MIZRACHI Bondi has kicked off its most ambitious project in more than 45 years – raising $2.25 million to refurbish and upgrade the shule to meet the demands of its growing congregation.
The fundraising campaign, titled “New Vision, New Direction”, aims to transform the synagogue into a hub for the entire Sydney Jewish community, facilitating social, cultural and religious programs and activities.
Speaking to The AJN, Mizrachi’s Rabbi Shua Solomon said the shule’s financial goal is an “ambitious target because we want to do something ambitious”.
“The last time any serious work was done on the building was in the 1970s,” he said.
“We have an expanding membership – on a weekly basis, more and more people want to join and be part of Mizrachi – and we need to make sure that our building is in order and keep up with the great demand for our premises.”
The shule has plans for a complete refurbishment of its interiors, which will allow for additional seating in the men’s and women’s galleries, as well as the library, updates to the entrance foyer, downstairs hall, beit midrash, classrooms and bathrooms.
“We want to make sure that we engage as many people as possible from the community and have the facilities to do so,” Rabbi Solomon said, adding that he wants members to “call Mizrachi home”.
Mizrachi president Michael Balkin said the purpose of the fundraising campaign is to “reinvigorate and rejuvenate” the shule.
“Built in 1973, it is now time to refurbish and upgrade our shule to provide the amenities, comfort and flexible community space to meet the demands of our growing kehillah,” Balkin said.
“Our vision is for Mizrachi Bondi to stand at the forefront of Modern Orthodoxy and Zionism in the Sydney Jewish community and to continue to provide a warm and welcoming environment to our ever-growing Mizrachi family.”
He said since Rabbi Solomon and his wife Michal arrived four years ago, the synagogue’s membership has grown at an exponential rate particularly among young families.
“Membership is 100 per cent full and there are over 60 associate members currently waiting for a seat,” Balkin said.
“With this momentum, the board of directors believe it is now time to embark on the next stage of the shule’s journey.”
For more information on the campaign, visit www.mizrachi.org.au or call (02) 9130 5973.
EVAN ZLATKIS
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