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BJC EXPANSION PROJECT JOURNAL

Next Expansion Forum meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 03/24/10 
Congregation Meeting to vote on expansion advancement Wednesday April 7th

Minutes of March 10, 2010 Meeting

In attendance:

Ronnie Rabbie, Eddie Nassim, Vivi Nassim, Albert Nassim, Edeed Ben-Josef, Lydia Ben-Josef, Merav Ben-Josef, Brittney Ben-Josef, Ravit Kraus, Joe Jangana, Hesky Haim, Joyce Reise, Gila Aizer, Danny Aizer, Parviz Abrishamchi, Natalie Mashaal, David Mashaal, Alice Aboody, Anna Hakakian, Elias Hawa, Ronnie Yehuda, Helen Yehuda, Rabbi Nir Shalom, Eliahou Shamash

Ronnie: Updated  that all committees are meeting and updating their information for final determination. Fundraising  chairperson Ronny Ben-Josef, Construction – co-chairs Ronnie Rabbie & Eddie Nassim, and the Finance chair Shlomo Bakhash.  Stressed the importance of the space development as it pertains to all the children of the BJC.  All were updated about the new Hebrew school that was formed co-chaired by Mervav Ben-Josef, Anna Hakakian and Natalie Mashaal.  Rabbi Shalom will be guiding the program with direction and discussion.

·         Eddie: Updated on finance as Shlomo was not present that  we are developing a 5 year cash flow / budget detail operation income and expense including construction cost to determine financing and funding required to develop our extension.

·         Ronnie:  Updated with the project architect regarding the time line (overall development can take from 18 months to 3 years to complete subject to funding after issuance of building permit) and requirement of development and the importance not to alter any plan footprint as was approved by BZA. He also suggested that the site plan approval process plus architectural construction drawing and securing the building permit will cost approximately $200,000 and can possibly take 12 months to complete.  He stressed the importance of that time for the fundraising for Ronny Ben-Josef.

·         Danny Aizer: questioed the design of the drawing and financing required to complete the entire scope of the drawings.  He emphasized the importance of building the social all and making it available for multi-purpose use for all programming especially for the children.  This opened the forum  with lengthy discussion by those in attendance.

·         Alice Aboody shared her update from the members of Sister hood – She stressed that our community needs to be educated how to have a broad vision and work towards realizing it and stressed the importance of enrolling all to become part of the movement forward (a summary of the Sisterhood notes will be posted on BJC website – expansion journal for all to review). She stressed  that we need to provide for all the BJC Children to have a space based on the age and priority in addition to reviving the Hebrew School program.

·         Some of the open discussion during the forum included: 

·         Ronny Ben-Josef updated that the fundraising committee is fully in force and meeting to finalize the proposed plan for board approval.

·         Parviz Abrishamchi:  Informed the forum about possibilities of getting extension but the architectural cost remaining the same.

·          Alice Aboody added that the needs of all generations are important and that programs will be created according to need.

·         A goal needs to be set to have a Hebrew School program for BJC member families by September 2010.

·         The forum was informed that our expansion will attract new younger families.

·         Hesky Haim: update the forum of a close friend of his who took out children and enrolled them in Temple Israel because we don’t have the proper program and the disappointment in this loss both financially and in growth.

·         Ravit Kraus stressed we have to think big, we must create a program for all the youths to bring back families to the BJC.

·         Rabbi Nir Shalom enlightened the forum with his wisdom on the importance of the synagogue as the heart of our community.  There must be passion and that’s what we need to bring to our people together.

·         The forum was updated that the next meeting will be on Wednesday March 24th at the BJC and urged all to let members know.  This meeting will be primarily focused on the financial aspects of the expansion and funding required to complete and operate the BJC over the next five(5) years.

·         The congregation meeting to vote for pursuing the expansion with release of funds to start architectural development and securing building permit will be scheduled for Wednesday April 7th.

·         Vivi Nassim suggested that we have graphics developed including a possible model of the proposed expansion to excite the community and encourage their involvement

·         We thank Helen Yehuda for taking notes during the meeting to develop this memorandum.  We also tried to included as much as possible and reference all those who participated and named as attendees. We apologies if any specific fact was possibly omitted

Combined Feedback from Sisterhood Board Members to Alice Aboody
For the need of a Children’s Space and its Functions

 The responses clearly point out  for the need to allocate space for the younger children as well as a lounge for teenagers.

Another important point mentioned is that in order for the children to get a feeling of belonging to the BJC, it has to start at an early age so as to develop an attachment to the Synagogue. Therefore the existence of a Hebrew School is necessary.

 In this way the children will learn to identify their Hebrew school with the Synagogue as a unit, instead of being connected to other Synagogues and Yeshivas. Once they will begin to participate in programs & develop friendships somewhere else, it would be difficult for them to connect with the BJC.

Another argument given for the need of a Hebrew School is the success of the group of young children who attended classes at the inception of the BJC  & who are now college bound.

 They bonded together and continued their friendship & participation at the BJC through out their Bar & Bat Mitzvah years. They are the same group of teenagers who put on the magnificent performance last Sept. at the Art Center, & raised money for a worthy cause in Israel. They also learned to participate in outreach programs of Mitzvoth in the Community.

Over and over it was noted that the future and success of BJC is to meet the needs of its youngest members because they are the Future.

  The Purpose of  a Social or Multi purpose Room
“A place to hang out” for Teens

 The majority of responses suggested  creating “a warm and inviting place”  for teens. To have cubbies with internet service (media center), a juke box with various music, different types of games, a pool table, a popcorn machine, a large flat TV for movie viewing, & other, and a computer. This  would be a special place for teens to meet, make friends, become creative and  plan events together. Participation in such activities would be on Sundays..

The importance of creating a library with  various books, some that focus on the richness of our Iraqi Jewish  heritage to help inspire and educate the future leaders of our community.

It would be a place to hold  discussions (by different speakers from our members or others) about historical VIPs in the Jewish community of Baghdad. This could range from talking about the illustrious Rabbis and renowned scholars, to the doctors, lawyers as well as   financiers, and economists. Some of who   became ministers in the Iraqi government, and were instrumental to create a thriving economy in Iraq up to the time when the Jews left  in the 1950’s.

   Basically  the goal would be to help the teens become educated about their Iraqi Jewish heritage which  would not only give them pride in their roots, but also be transmitted to their children in the future.    Pride in one’s heritage can inspire as well as motivate to follow in the footsteps of ancestors one admires.                      

  This can be done with programs that include participation of the older generation of our  members. They can share their experiences growing up in Iraq, and describe the religious and cultural traditions they were part of. Many other ideas and suggestions can be incorporated in such programs. Perhaps the creation of debating teams that are centered on Jewish themes can be both educational and invite active participation.

In short, the importance of starting children early in a Hebrew school at the Synagogue is fundamental. This will guarantee family participation and interest of all members. Otherwise there will be a loss of the Iraqi Jewish  tradition  on many levels, which is an important reason why the BJC was created to start with.

The importance of attracting the teens and younger children to gather to  enjoy and appreciate what the BJC has to offer needs to be a priority for all the members of the BJC without exception.

No investment is too much when it benefits our children and grandchildren!
Alice Aboody

Minutes of Expansion Forum on Wednesday 02/24/2010

Attendees:  Alice Aboody, Eze Bashi, Edeed Ben Josef, Merav Ben Josef, Ronny Ben Josef, Elias Hawa, Jenny Haim, Fred Jiji, Abe Maslavi, Shouly Maslavi, Eddie Nassim, Ronnie Rabbie, Sharry Shamash

Areas of Discussion

1.   Children's Programming
2.   Hebrew School
3.   Fundraising
4.   Financing
5.   Construction Costs
6.   Design Criteria, Options and Alternatives
7.   Purpose and Uses
8.   Phasing of Construction
9.   Building Fund Assessment
10. Sale of Name Plaques
11. Increase of Membership Fees

After discussion of the items listed above, the following is a summary:

1.  Alice Aboody to continue developing the children's program requirements in respect to design criteria with the Sisterhood.

2.  Construction committee along with Merav Ben Josef to meet with the Architect to discuss options and alternatives and phasing of design.

3.  Finance committee to meet with Accountant and develop proforma for 5 years with various funding alternatives (Shouly Maslavi to contact Shlomo Bakhash to update on possible financing alternatives).

4.  Fundraising Committee to meet and prepare suggested fundraising programs, plaques, and proposed building fund assessment for entire membership.

5.  Congregation notification for attendance to forum meetings is critical and the responsibility of all members to inform each other.  Next scheduled meeting is on Wednesday March 10th at 8:00 pm at the BJC (Helen Yehuda to send regular emails requesting member attendance).

Update:  In discussions with Rabbi Nir Shalom regarding the Hebrew School, he suggested to contact Anna (Khabbaza) Hakakian and Natalie Mashaal to schedule a meeting in order to develop a committee to review and recommend the needs of a Hebrew School program identifying in specific the families of the BJC who will be interested.  

Minutes of Construction Budget Review Monday 02/22/2010

Attendees:  Edeed Ben Josef, Ronny Ben Josef, Anton Mourtil, Eddie Nassim, , Ronnie Rabbie, Avi Sharabani

Subject:  Review and verification of sq. ft areas, determination of multiple phases, establishing preliminary budgets.

1.    New Lobby Addition:  1100 sq ft. - estimated construction cost $200 sq ft. - Total budget $220,000.

2.    Second Floor Addition:  Includes front door elevation and fire staircase, with elevator:  Total sq ft. 2353 @ $175 sq ft - Total budget $411,775.  Estimated cost of the elevator is $70,000.  Total 2nd floor expansion budget $481,775.

3.    Hall/Auditorium:  Total area 4000 sq ft - estimated construction cost $250 sq ft - Total budget $1,000,000.

4.    Site Improvement Budget - $250,000.

5.    Existing Building upgrade:  $150,000 - $200,000.

6.    Professional Fees and Building permit filing fees:  $200,000
General conditions and other soft cost expense:  Estimated at 10% - $200,000

Summary:  The above budget figures were based on initial drawings prepared by Thomas Fitzsimmons dated 10/25/2007.  The team discussed the possibilities and alternatives subject to available funds.  The decision was made to identify the use and purpose criteria most important to the congregation.  It was suggested that a meeting be scheduled with the architect to clarify questions pertaining to phasing design criteria critical to our zoning and the possibilities of developing multi-purpose uses.  

Sisterhood Children Programming Update  02/19/10

Alice Aboody sent an email to Sisterhood members on 2/19/10 as follows:

 As you may know, the BJC Board recently met to discuss the upcoming expansion plans for the Synagogue.

A few of us expressed the extreme importance of creating an adequate space for the children while planning the expansion.

 I was requested by officers of the BJC expansion committee to ask each of you, on the  Sisterhood Board, to express specifically what you think is important  for the children to create the space for in the building plans.

You can suggest the specific needs for children of different ages. It is really expressing your personal vision of how you would like to see the new space adequately provide for a certain activity in relation to the children.

 One reason for your specifically identifying a need, is to help the Fund Raising committee explain to the donors for what purpose the particular space will be used in relation to meeting the needs of the children.

Another reason is that the amount of funds for this proposed expansion will be limited, so we need to clearly think what the priorities are in planning the building expansion.

Please put down all the activities for the children for which you think a particular space needs to be built.

We have to be clear that the continuity of our Synagogue very much depends on enrolling and encouraging the children and teens to participate in different activities at the Synagogue. This  not only re-enforces their interest and love for their rich heritage, but also creates the SPACE for them to meet their friends and plan their events that enriches the whole Congregation.  This is very much my personal view, and I will do my very best to represent all of your views as best as I can.

Thank you for all your help in future activities as well.
Alice Aboody

Minutes of Expansion Forum on Thursday 02/11/2010

Present at the meeting (no specific ordering method used): Rabbi Nir Shalom, Albert Nassim, Eddie Nassim, Danny Aizer, Edeed Ben Josef, Moris Zilkha, Anis Shashou, Ronny Ben Josef, Hesky Haim, Elias Hawa, Fred Jiji, Moris Bakhash, Shlomo Bakhash, Anton Mourtil, Ronnie Rabbie, Merav Ben Josef, Lana Bakhash, Gila Aizer, Alice Aboody, Helen Yehuda, Verna Rabbie

1.   
 Albert updated all present with the status of the zoning approval.
2.
    Ronnie Rabbie updated the expansion progress to date.  (See Meeting Agenda for 2/11/10 below)
3.   
Anton Mourtil discussed various construction criteria.
4.   
Open discussion on the importance of classroom, social hall, and other design aspects.

The following directors volunteered and were appointed:
1.   
Finance Committee:  Shlomo Bakhash
2.   
Fundraising Committee - Ronny Ben Josef 
3.   
Construction Committee - Anton Mourtil, Eddie Nassim, Ronnie 
4.   
Proposed Children Planning - Merav Ben Josef, Alice Aboody

Decisions
1.   
There will be a 60 day review period of proposed expansion, construction, financing, and fundraising.
2.   
R. Rabbie to advise architect and attorney of 60 day postponement of site plan development.
3.   
Suggested weekly or biweekly forums to update congregation and members of progress.
4.    Next suggested meeting to be held on Wednesday February 24, 2010 at 8:00 pm at the BJC.  Meeting is open to all members.

Expansion Meeting
February 11, 2010

The success of our expansion plan requires careful planning, funding, and construction. It is important to receive input from all parties within the entire congregation.  Before we proceed with the construction development plan, we must consider all options and define the ones best suited based on the budget and needs of our community.

Expansion

1.    Define the current proposed Expansion Plan (Social Hall including new lobby; 2nd floor expansion with two means of egress and elevator shaft and site improvement).

2.    Discussion on developing a development budget (including cost incurred to date; in-direct construction costs including architectural, engineering and associate fees and charges- , contingencies;  estimate cost  of each proposed phase site development, 2nd floor development and social hall expansion).

3.    Discuss current architectural fee and scope (Tom reviewed his original contract of 2007 and after discussion with his sub-engineers has raised the fee by $7,500 which will effectively increase his fee for construction services from the original 2007 amount of $116,500 to $124,000. Estimated fees of $10,000-$15,000 not included in the number above for town charges, legal fees, etc.

4.    Updates from Counsel:   Peter originally advised us that we will need to proceed to the Town Board for site plan approval as quickly as possible based on decision which was rendered on December 16, 2009. We requested that he investigate our requirements and timeline.  He checked with the Executive Secretary to the Board of Appeals, Gene Martonik, who advised him that the time to obtain a building permit has been increased from 90 days to one year.  Therefore, we have until December 2010 to obtain the building permit. However, we need to proceed with the application to the Town Board for site plan approval which will require preparation of drawings and submittal of the application with counsel, architect and traffic engineer due to possible continuing neighbor opposition at time of presentation to the Town Board at a public hearing.

5.    Time line for permit  
·        
Release architect for site plan development and application (allow 2 months for process)  
·         Release architect for construction drawing (allow 3 months)  
·        
Submit drawing for building permit approval (allow 4 months with any objections)  
·        
Bidding process to commence on completion of drawings for permit approval.  

6.    Setup a Building Committee to commence and develop the project

Fundraising  
1.   
Setup fundraising criteria including vision, organization and goals  
2.   
Emphasis that resources and facility improvement necessary to our existence  
3.   
Stress financially healthy BJC is better than an expanded unable to operate BJC  
4.   
Setup fundraising team including director, administration and management to develop a strategy and implement special events, special appeals, sales and honoring  

Financing  
1.   
Select a director for financing committee to develop the loan criteria  
2.   
Commence construction Loan negotiations  
3.   
Assure annual operating funds  
4.   
Secure pledges from the  
5.   
Secure Guarantors to loan  
6.   
Complete loan application

December 16, 2009

Click Board of Zoning Appeals Decision to see the pdf of the Board of Zoning Appeals decision granting the BJC's application on December 16, 2009  

 

Expansion Unveiling
April 10, 2005

 
Rabbi

Nir Shalom

Cantor

Hazzan Rafael Shawat

President

Shlomo Bakhash

Honorary Chairman
of the Board

Albert Nassim

Vice President &
Chairman Religious Committee

Jacob Maslavi

Vice President

Edeed Ben Josef

Executive Officer

Edna Kamara

Treasurer

Eliahou Shamash

Secretary

Verna Rabbie

Board of Trustees

Alice Aboody
Gila Aizer

Lana Bakhash

Merav Ben Josef

Jamila Dallal

Joe Jangana

Fred Jiji

Hesky Haim

Dalit Herdoon

Anis Shashou

April 14, 2004

Dear Members:

The BJC Celebratory Brunch at the Lake Success Country Club was a resounding success. Many of the members of the BJC community attended the function which hosted a lavish brunch with music, and a magician to entertain the children. Lana Bakhash served as the MC for the event, introducing the various speakers.

1. Rabbi Nir Shalom addressed the community by pointing out that it was the beginning of the month of Nissan which was a very auspicious date to start such a project. He stressed on the importance for the unity of purpose amongst the members and the necessity of such an expansion.

  1. Shlomo Bakhash addressed the members pointing out the reasons why such expansion is necessary and the obligation to help future generations in their battle to preserve our identity and culture. (see copy attached)
  2. Alexa Phillips and Austin Rabbie vividly expressed why they loved to come to the BJC for the past seven years and the friendships and experiences they have had as a result. In their own spontaneous way they urged the adults to support the expansion plan that would help create a better Hebrew school as well as a safe play area for the children.
  3. Ravit Krauss spoke for all the mothers and couples who would have a place to socialize and celebrate various events, if everyone supported the new plans for the BJC. (see copy attached)
  4. Jacob Maslavi gave a warm and heartfelt address to the members. He said that in order to fulfill the needs of a growing community, it was clear that the BJC had no choice but to expand to accommodate the various needs of the membership. He encouraged the members to be generous with their support & to visualize not only the current needs of the community, but look ahead to twenty years from now.
  5. Edeed Ben Joseph and Shlomo Bakhash unveiled the architectural drawings, depicting the new changes to the existing structure: a spacious Social Hall, a Multi-Purpose Room, a Children's room, a Study room, a Coat room, a spacious Lower Level, new kitchen and more. (see attached plans)

Following these presentations, Elyahou Shamash, in his role as treasurer gave thumbs up on the financial state of the Synagogue and urged the members to support the plans as well. Ronnie Rabbie and Samy Dallal gave an impassioned appeal to support the expansion project by giving generously. Albert Nassim, the previous President of the BJC, expressed his whole hearted support for this project and backed Shlomo in his current role as President of the BJC Board.


After a brief Q & A period, the event ended on a very upbeat note. It was truly in a celebratory mood that this new milestone in the seventh year of the creation of BJC ended on a beautiful sunny spring afternoon.

Sincerely,

Development Committee

Click on this link to see a picture of what the building will look like:
Click on this link to see a picture of what the First Floor will look like:
Click on this link to see a picture of what the Basement will look like:
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to see them.

Please look further down for Questions and Answers at the meeting.

A LIST OF THE DIFFERENT SPEECHES ARE INCLUDED BELOW:

April 10th 2005 Unveiling of BJC Expansion Plans at the Lake Success Village Club

Addressed by Shlomo Bakhash, President

I must admit that representing the Babylonian Jewish Center as President is without a doubt a most challenging and incredible experience. This was one of a few times where I had difficulty putting my thoughts together. I couldn’t get the right words to describe how I feel about this project. Many times during the last few months I questioned myself and debated with many of you on the wisdom of such a momentous project, and whether it was at all necessary.

The Big Question has always been "Do we really need to expand"?

In order to answer that question we had to ask more questions….

**Is it fair that our children are wondering around the synagogue without a safe and proper environment to play and learn?

**Is it fair that we don’t have a proper room for a Hebrew School?

**Is it fair that parents of our young children continuously come up and down the stairs to insure the safety of their loved ones, and miss the opportunity to pray, or listen to the Rabbi’s sermon or guest speaker of the day?

**Is it fair that our elders don’t have a place to sit down during a Kiddush lunch?

**Is it fair that our congregation has to stand in a cold tent during special occasions?

**Is it fair that our parents, grandparents do not have a place other than our freezing lobby to socialize just for one evening per week?

**Is it fair that the Rabbi and his students don’t have a study room to study just for one evening per week?

**Is it fair that we don’t have a youth lounge?

**Is it fair that we don’t have a proper coat room to hang our coats?

**Is it fair that we are bottlenecked in a single stairway each Sabbath, trying to get up to the Lobby for a Kiddush Lunch?

**Is it fair that we as a community don’t have a proper and respectable social hall to celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Social events, Religious Holidays and other functions?

DO WE NOT DESERVE BETTER?

Let’s take a moment and reflect inward….we know that our history has forced us to develop a natural aptitude for survival by easily assimilating with our host country (whether be Iraq, Iran, or the US). But we also know that we pay a terrible price whenever we relax and forget our heritage and who we really are. Think for a moment, of that Iraqi character, that of our great grandparents, our grandparents, our parents; ourselves….now look into the future and see whether our children, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren will manage to hold on to this character and identity.

….Our community depends on how hard we fight to keep our identity, which is the foundation of our survival. The most effective way to insure our survival is the combination of strength of family, knowledge of our history, pride in our culture, and the maintenance of our traditions. I strongly believe that we have the obligation to protect this national treasure, our cultural wealth, our language, our cuisine, our music, most of all, our character…… which is far greater than we can imagine. The only insurance policy that we have is that our Synagogue provides us an environment to satisfy our religious, social and educational needs.

And that is the main reason why we need this expansion so badly. If we fail to create an environment where our community members, our youth and our children can meet to pray, learn and socialize…Trust me," we take the risk of stagnation and of losing it all".

We have heard the voices of dissension and Nay Sayers when we first built the synagogue, and let them look at where we are now. Where a few of us here see these plans as obstacles, most of see it as an opportunity of a life time, and a chance to elevate ourselves. We have to have the courage to take this risk, a risk with no downside and all upside…

.

As we await this monumental milestone, it is with great pride that we look back on all our great accomplishments over the past years. Seven years ago, when we established our synagogue, we managed to unite the Iraqi Community in a way which has not been possible in a very long time. And this is what we are most proud of. We have been successful in pushing back our own extinction for at least 20-30 years. We achieved our initial goal. Now we have to help our children and the future generation to achieve theirs.

It is now time to take bigger risks…and focus on how our children can succeed in their battle to preserve our culture, our traditions and our heritage. We have to have the COURAGE (the willingness to accept risk), PERSEVERANCE (a persistent effort to overcome all obstacles), and COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE (a desire and dedication to improve our performance, resulting in superior accomplishments.

Last but not least, you will find your support pledge card on the table in front of you. As you hear the speakers tonight, and something or someone touches your heart, please take a moment to fill out the card and show your support to this important project. Thank you.

 

Subject: A MOTHER'S VIEW RE EXPANSION OF BJC

Addressed by Ravit Krauss

WHEN SHLOMO ASKED ME TO SPEAK TO ALL OF YOU TODAY- I HESITATED, AS PUBLIC SPEAKING DOES NOT COME EASILY TO ME,ALTHOUGH MY HUSBAND ROBERT WOULD DISAGREE SINCE I SPEAK VERY PUBLICLY AT HOME.

NONETHELESS, I DECIDED NOT TO WHINE ABOUT IT AND TAKE THE NATURAL RESPONSIBILITY THAT ALL WHO CONSTANTLY DO FOR THE BJC DO ON AN EVERY DAY BASIS-AND SAID TO SHOLOM-DONT WORRY ABOUT IT-IT WILL GET DONE.

THAT BEING SAID HERE GOES-

I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME MY FATHER MENTIONED TO US,HIS CHILDREN, OF WHAT HIS INTENTIONS AND TO WHAT EXTENT HE AND MY MOM WERE WILLING TO INVEST IN CREATING A SYNAGOGUE- IT WAS BASICALLY JUST AN IDEA, A VISION, A DREAM-A NON ENTITY! SURE ENOUGH THIS VISION BECAME A REALITY-IT BECAME EVERYONES CHILD SHOWERED WITH EVERYONES SUPPORT, DRIVE AND HARD WORK.

JUST LIKE A CHILD IT IS GROWING UP FROM BEING A BABY TO AN ADULT AND JUST LIKE A CHILD IT NEEDS AND DESERVES ATTENTION, PATIENCE, LOVE, HARD WORK DEDICATION AND SPACE!

JUST LIKE A CHILD, IT IS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE! AS A MOTHER, I SEE THE EXPANSION OF THE BJC IS A PRAGMATIC STEP,AN IMPORTANT STEP AND BEAUTIFUL STEP IN THE BJC'S HISTORY.

THIS EXPANSION IS PRAGMATIC BECAUSE: WE WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY SHABAT BREAKFAST, WHILE SITTING AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THE CHILDREN RUNNING OUT TO THE PARKING LOT TO RUN AROUND AND PLAY WITH FRIENDS.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE OUR GROWING KIDS MORE SPACE TO CALL THIS THEIR COMMUNITY CENTER, A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN HANG OUT IN NOT ONLY ON SHABAT. WE WILL BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE THE PURIM PARTY THAT WE JUST HAD IN A MORE ENJOYABLE FASHION - IT WAS STILL A SUCCESS WITH AN ENORMOUS ATTENDANCE AND, LOTS OF FUN.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO ENTERTAIN DOING SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR ALL THE GENERATIONS WE HAVE LIKE A MOMMY AND ME CLASS, A DANCE FOR THE TEENAGERS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES......AND MORE.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE OUR UPCOMING BRISS OR SHASHAS, BAR/BATMITVAS, ENGAGEMENTS AND HENNA PARTIES

WE WILL BE ABLE HOST EVENTS THAT INCLUDE GROUPS FROM OTHER SYNYGOGUES. HOST JOINT EVENTS FOR BOTH YOUND AND OLDER GROUPS.

THIS EXPANSION IS AN IMPORTANT STEP BECAUSE ALL OF THE ABOVE WILL BOND OUR COMMUNITY AND GIVE IT GREATER PROMINANCE THROUGOUT.

LASTLY, THIS EXPANSION IS A BEAUTIFUL STEP BECAUSE, AS WE ALL GROW AND EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT EVENTS IN THE BJC WE WILL CONTINUE THE LEGACY THAT BEGAN FOR THE CHILDREN AND WILL HOPEFULLY BE CONTINUED BY OUR CHILDREN.  OUR CHILDREN WILL BUILD LONG LASTING RELATIONSHIPS TO LAST A LIFETIME.

IN THE PAST MONTH OR SO-I HEARD WHAT A COUPLE OF MOTHERS MENTIONED IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS-AND I THOUGHT THIS TOO WAS VERY INSPIRING AND  FITTING TO WHAT I AM TRYING TO CONVEY.

- I AM SORRY IF I AM NOT QUOTING YOU EXACTLY ---GILA AIZER-THE BJC IS THE REASON I MADE A LIFE IN GREAT NECK, THE  BJC IS THE REASON I HAVE MY NEW SON N LAW, THE BJC IS THE REASON WHY DANNY DOES KIDDUSH EVERY FRIDAY.

HELEN YEHUDA SPEAKING AT HER SONS BAR MITZVA ABOUT HER DESIRE TO EXPERIENCE ALL THE SPECIAL THINGS IN LIFE WITH ALL HER GUESTS,HER COMMUNITY- THE WAY HER MOM WAS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE WITH SOME OF HER LIFE LONG FRIENDS.

LASTLY, FOR ME- THE BJC, IS AN IMPORTANT SMALL PLACE FOR MY CHILDREN IN AN EVER   CHANGING BIG WORLD!

A PLACE THEY LEARN ABOUT RELIGION AND CULTURE.
A PLACE WHERE THEY'RE KNOWN BY NAME OR THEIR PARENTS NAMES.
A PLACE WHERE THEY SPEND TIME WITH THEIR PEERS.
A PLACE WHERE THEY SPEND TIME WITH MY PEERS.
A PLACE WHERE THEY KNOW THEIR FAMILY HAD HELPED IN CREATING.
A PLACE WHERE THEY SEE IS GROWING WITH THEM.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY A PLACE WHERE THEY SPEND TIME WITH THEIR BABA AND SAVTA!

 

Presentation by Sammy Dallal

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You have heard many things tonight, and you have to make an important decision.
Bottom line, are you going to support the expansion, or not?

If you are for it, how much will your generous contribution be for?

Let us back track for a moment:

1- the original plan for the BJC was even more elaborate than this; we did not do it, as there was a fear of the financial commitment. We down scaled and we ended up with what we have today. We are grateful to every one of you for your generous support. When we started several people told me are you crazy; SUCH FUNDS can never BE raised from the Iraqi community, with everyone’s hard work and support this became a reality. Those people that said forget it and it will never happen were wrong and that did not deter us and thank god we did not listen to people that said it could not be done.

AGAIN TODAY WE WILL NOT LISTEN TO THE FEW THAT HAVE SOME FEAR IN HELPING, AND HOPE THEY CHANGE THIER MIND AND JOIN US ALL IN THIS GREAT ENDAVOR.

I ask the members of our community that want to play politics with this issue, and find different excuses for not supporting this good cause to stop it. Nobody should oppose the expansion for their own personal agenda, or because they do not like the way it’s being handled and all other type of excuses.

I am one of the people that feel not enough people are being consulted and this is not being done the way I would like to see it done. I hereby formally ask the Board and the President to make a pledge to hear every one out as to their ideas and suggestions on the expansion. This has to be done right and proper and make as many people as possible happy with what is being done. This belongs to the members and the members have to be able to give their input in a public hearing like today. This is the last expansion we will be doing we should take the proper time and care to do it proper and right.

How ever this does not stop me from supporting the expansion. Absolutely not I am 100% for it.

We have to work as a united community and think as a united community and what is good for the Community as a whole is good for us all.

The questions that should run to our mind is the following:

1- is this good for our community? If it is let us support it?

I will tell you why I think its good for our community?

A- The bigger our Center is the more functions we can have and the more members we will have. The more members we have the more this increases the chances that with the guidance of our Hakham who will gently lead us in pursuit of Torah and good deeds that our youth will not be lost to inter-marriages and be out of the Jewish faith and heritage. The more members we have it increases the chances that our youth can meet someone from their own faith.

If we accomplish that alone we have accomplished a lot. Do not think I do not have children that are going to get married so why should I support it. You may have grand children and even if you have no grand children you should think for the good of the community. This is for the future of the community and if this saves anyone from the Community we are all beneficiaries.


B-What else will we accomplish, the more we learn about our religion and our great heritage the better people we become, the better people we become the better community we will have, and we will raise better children and guide our grand children in the beautiful Jewish heritage we have. This multiplies over and over as the more good people we have the better a society we will have, every one is a beneficiary when we have more good, decent and god fearing people.

B-- What is this enlarged center going to serve? The main function of the big hall will be able to have Brit Milah's, Bar and Bat Mitzvah's, weddings, Shabaton, and lectures these are all in preserving and expanding our great Jewish heritage.

This center should ideally take in mind the religious aspect of the BJC and among them such functions as Hebrew school, library, playground for the children, and a social hall for expanding our Jewish heritage.

I have heard that it has been said we want this expansion to expand the social functions and they are most likely referring to Monday night’s card games. This expansion in no way is going to make any difference in the activity we have on Monday nights as it is we have only a limited number that come and play cards this was cleared with Hakham Eliyahou the expansion is not needed at all for this purpose as we have more than enough room as is.

Having said that this center should not only be a religious center alone but also offer social functions where Jewish members and non-members can meet and socialize and expand their contacts and expand their intellectual and religious horizons as well. All these functions will be cleared with our Hakham any way.

All these are positive aspects that we all should be very happy with.

What is the negative aspect?

The financial burden we will be committing to.

The reason we down sized the original plan seven years ago was fear of the financial burden. Our history showed that we were able to meet all our commitments and have a surplus of over $100,000 per year to pay down our loans and after 5 years we paid the $500,000 debt we had.

The expanded center will give us additional income and if we take a 30-year mortgage for the funds that we need that we are unable to raise. We can easily pay down the loan year by year from the surplus we get during the year and in time we are debt free again. AS Eliyahou Shamash said have faith in Hashem and everything will work out beautifully and in time we will have a beautiful expanded center debt free.

Remember when we started we were full of financial fear, we all stepped up and made this happen. The money we paid, did it make any difference in any of our lives? No?

What you commit for the expansion will it make any difference in your life? Absolutely not?

Let us all pitch in everyone to the best of their ability we will raise what we can and the rest we will borrow, the less we borrow the better as every one of you knows. Let us all be United in this effort and help this expansion move along.

May Hashem bless you all and what ever you give, return it to you many times over.

Thank You.
Sammy Dallal

 

Sunday, April 10th 2005 /Expansion Meeting/Fundraising: Questions/Answers?

  1. Do we need congregation approval?
  2. According to our By Laws: Article XVII paragraph #2: Major Alterations/Additions:

    :

    An alteration or addition is classified as major when the expenditure is at least $40,000. All major alteration or additions require the approval of a minimum of two thirds of the Board of Trustees at a meeting called for that purpose, and a copy incorporating the additions or alterations must be filed wit the Secretary of the Congregation.

    However: Paragraph 3 of the same article requires a majority approval of the members in order to get a mortgage for such a project. "So, the answer is YES…we ultimately will go the congregation for approval….."

  3. What are the estimated costs of such a project?
  4. Although we cannot ascertain the exact cost of such a project until complete building plans are available, we estimate the cost to be approximately $1,018,000.

    Description of Work Estimated Cost
    Demolition

    5000

    Concrete

    58000

    Excavation

    26000

    Ceiling

    41000

    Structural Walls

    32000

    Rough Carpentry

    26000

    Masonry

    12000

    Carpentry

    47000

    Int. Drywall/Framing

    58000

    HM Frames/Doors

    38000

    Glass, Glazing

    58000

    Wood Floors

    5000

    Tile

    50000

    Sprinkler

    28000

    Plumbing

    55000

    Electric

    43000

    Mechanical System

    28000

    Steel

    62000

    Steel Fireproofing

    13000

    Kitchen Cabinets

    16000

    Appliances

    10000

    Windows

    45000

    Equipment

    15000

    Roofing

    36000

    Plaster/Paint

    22000

    Cleaning/Maint.

    13000

    Insulation

    16000

    Contingency

    70000

    General Conditions

    90000

    Total:

    1018000

  5. How are we going to pay for such cost:
  6. Funding for this program is intended to come from three sources: Cash in bank, Contributions, and a Construction Bank Loan.

    1. Presently we have approx. $150,000 Cash in Bank plus $50,000 A/R. In year 2004 we had a net operating income of $100,000 and expect atleast the same for this year. Putting $100,000 on reserve for our monthly expenses, we project that we will have approx. $200,000 in cash available for this project.
    2. We are projecting and hope to collect atleast $200,000 from contributions, plus an additional $100,000 thru assessments of approx. $1000/family payable over two years for contingency.
    3. We believe that we can obtain a Construction Loan for $600,000 at a rate of 1 over prime. We anticipate another hike of prime rate to 6% within the next few months, therefore a $600,000 loan at 7%, interest only for two years, will carry a burden of $42,000/year or $3500/month.

    Note: We presently have an existing $250,000 line of credit from NFB that we can tap on.

  7. When is this project projected to start and when is projected to complete?
  8. If the plan is approved by the Building Department, and the financing is approved by the Congregation, it is our hope that we can begin construction this summer. The total project will hopefully be completed by fall of 2006.

  9. What is the scope of the work to be done?
  1. New Social Hall, approx. 3050 s.f. including a bar area, and kitchen area, refuse and refrigeration room and finally storage and receiving room.
  2. New Vestibule and new Lobby with High Ceiling serving as reception area for our Social Room
  3. New state of the art Coat Room and closet rooms
  4. Our present Lobby will serve as a Multi-Purpose Room to be used as Adult Lounge, Youth Lounge Learning Center, and Meeting Room.
  5. A Basement, over 3000 s.f. to accommodate our mechanic room, a much needed storage room, administration offices, bathrooms, and most important of all an Activity Room to be used for our children and family functions.
  6. The current second floor will be used for our future Hebrew School.

     6.  Why do we have to do it now and why can’t we do it in stages?

    We have gone thru a costly variance stage and have received approval of our plans. We have succeeded to extend our variance over the one year approval period, and we will have a hard time getting any further extensions. We cannot build in stages, and will need to go for a variance on each stage. Such a variance is costly and time consuming.

Summary: This is an exciting time. We have the historical opportunity that most communities do not often have. This is a very complex project intended to ensure that we will be able to provide the best educational, spiritual and social future for our community and its youth.

Please help us achieve our dreams and help our children achieve theirs.

 

BJC
440 Great Neck Road
Great Neck, New York 1102
1

P.O. Box 220224
Great Neck, NY 11022-0224

Tel: (516) 773-9876
e-mail: info@bjcny.org
website:  http://www.bjcny.org

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