BJ Community

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A Large Community Shall Return Here

June 24, 2011 in 89th Street building, BJ Community, Rabbis by Roly | Permalink

270 W. 89th Street (Jeremiah 31:8)

BJ has come home!

We are again the proud owners of our former community house at 270 W. 89th Street. The closing took place yesterday morning, June 23. We celebrate this amazing achievement with the entire BJ community and express our deepest appreciation to all who participated in making the dream a reality.

We are also pleased to announce that we have selected the firm of Mitchell Giurgola Architects (MGA) (after an intensive evaluation of high-quality proposals from six firms) to work with BJ to develop the space program and master plan for our new Community House and its integration with the 88th Street sanctuary building for the BJ of the future.

It is so exciting to be making these plans and we hope you will all participate in the upcoming efforts to solicit your input.

We are gratified and humbled by the faith you have placed in us and in the future of this exceptional community.

Roly, Marcelo, Felicia and Ari

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Dream is Now a Reality

June 23, 2011 in BJ Community, Update by Jeannie | No comments

Harold Goldman & Jeannie Blaustein

I am thrilled to say that today is truly historic as our community enters a new chapter as owners once again of 270 W 89th Street!

Today with gratitude and humility, we return to our Community House with the wisdom and ruach (spirit) nourished over the last 25 years of growth, prayer and commitment to BJ’s sacred vision of community and social justice.

How wonderful that Jonathan Adelsberg, our outgoing president, who has worked tirelessly and with the deepest commitment toward this goal, was able to sign the papers today and make this dream a reality! As his term ends and my new role begins on July 1st, I’m honored and humbled to be moving into the leadership of BJ’s Board at this exciting and creative moment.

The miracle of this purchase, and the communal effort that it took to bring us all to this moment are extraordinary. I want to personally thank Jonathan, our rabbis and Ari, Richie Kalikow, BJ’s Board and our Capital Campaign co-chairs, Judy Peck and Michael Sonnenfeldt, and our Community Campaign co-chairs Debbie Lerner and Christina Gantcher, for their guidance and leadership, and for the many hours of hard work each gave to this project.

I’ve loved being a part of the process, and am so deeply appreciative of all of the many, many people whose time, energy and financial contributions helped us reach our goal! This community building is at the core of my hope and prayer that BJ will continue to build a strong and vital community.     -Jeannie

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