May 14, 2023 - Temple of Israel
Around Town with Gene Merritt
Temple of Israel New Release
May 14, 2023
“THE RESTORATION HAS BEGUN!!”
WORKING TOGETHER TO RESTORE OUR HISTORIC TEMPLE OF ISRAEL
IN DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
The Temple of Israel in Wilmington, North Carolina is pleased to announce renovation of its historic building at 4th and Market Streets after a successful fundraising campaign. Restoration is now underway with a late summer target for completion. It is the oldest Jewish house of worship in continuous use in the state of North Carolina and one of the few Moorish Revival style architectural structures remaining in the U.S. from the 19th Century.
Closed to the public since 2020 because of moisture intrusion and other deterioration, the Temple’s Restoration 150 Committee embarked on a successful half-million-dollar fundraising project in 2021. Constructed in 1876, the Temple was built for one of the state’s oldest Reform Jewish congregations. The campaign’s name, “Restoration 150”, recognizes the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Temple’s congregation.
Under the guidance of Architect Bruce Bowman, BMH Architects, and General Contractor Sexton Construction Coastal, the renovation process includes moisture and mold remediation, window restoration, deep cleaning, roof repair, interior work in the downstairs Rosenthal Hall, exterior landscaping, and complete replacement of the HVAC system.
Fundraising is also creating a reserve fund for future Temple maintenance. Additional appeals are being prepared for grants and other sources of income. Donor recognition plans include a new plaque to be installed prominently at the Temple entrance.
Noted Wilmington historian Beverly Tetterton was Temple Board President when fundraising began in 2021. Tetterton observes “According to the American Jewish Historical Society, the Temple of Israel is the 10th oldest synagogue still in use in the United States. The Temple of Israel is a treasure of historic architectural importance and a valuable building in Wilmington’s historic district.” A historic plaque was given to the Temple of Israel in 1976 by the Historic Wilmington Foundation commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Temple.
Currently, all Temple activities are taking place at the Reibman Center for Kehillah, the Temple owned and operated annex at 922 Market Street that houses the administrative offices and Sunday School classrooms.
For more information, contact Peggy Pancoe Rosoff at 910-409-3511 or pprosoff@gmail.com. Interviews can be arranged with current Temple Board President Joshua Heinberg, Beverly Tetterton or Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov upon request.
I encourage you to donate to the campaign of the Temple of Israel. Gene Merritt.
Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
Blog number 6
May 14, 2023
