Capital Campaign Update | March 2026
Dear Friends,
Thank you once again for your commitment to Temple Israel’s Next 75 Years Campaign. Your support of this vision is helping to shape a strong and vibrant future for our community, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in this important effort.
We write today to share several exciting updates on the campaign. Over the past months, we have made meaningful progress in planning, fundraising, and refining the vision that will guide Temple Israel into its next generation. Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of supporters like you, the campaign continues to build strong momentum.
CAMPAIGN UPDATE
We are very pleased to report that, to date, we have raised nearly $13 million in pledges toward our campaign, representing commitments from 95 Temple Israel families. We have line of sight for additional leadership gifts. This remarkable level of early support reflects the strong belief our community has in Temple Israel’s future and in the vision behind this campaign.
REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION
We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity to acquire 6 Coleytown Road, the property directly adjacent to our campus on the right-hand side as one enters the driveway. This is the first time in Temple Israel’s history that the owners have expressed a willingness to sell the property to us, making this a truly once-in-a-generation opportunity for the long-term future of our congregation.
Acquiring this property would provide Temple Israel with valuable flexibility as we plan for the decades ahead. The additional land would strengthen our campus footprint and improve our overall site layout and accessibility, as well as create opportunities for future expansion, to help ensure that Temple Israel remains well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our growing community.
OVERALL PROJECT
Our Board of Trustees has approved a comprehensive project scope totaling $23.4 million, representing a bold and thoughtful investment in Temple Israel’s future.
The approved scope includes the acquisition of 6 Coleytown Road and its integration into our existing campus, creating new possibilities for growth and long-term flexibility. It also includes the renovation of the sanctuary, social hall, and reception room, modernizing these central spaces while preserving the warmth and character that define Temple Israel. Additionally it allows for the creation of a welcoming new entrance that will serve as a central community gathering space
Other improvements include the renovation of bathrooms and the development of a unified clergy suite to support collaboration and accessibility. The project will also include renovations to our parking areas, along with necessary and prudent security and infrastructure upgrades that will enhance safety, reliability, and overall campus functionality.
Together, these improvements represent a comprehensive vision for Temple Israel’s campus — one that strengthens our physical spaces, enhances the experience for members and visitors alike, and positions Temple Israel to thrive for the next 75 years and beyond.
Recent progress and momentum, coupled with a realistic pathway of additional leadership and public phase gifts, current temple financial resources and financing options gives us the confidence that we can reach this campaign goal.
FINANCING
Temple Israel’s Finance Committee is currently evaluating a range of financing options to complement our fundraising efforts and help bring the full vision of the Next 75 Years Campaign to fruition. This work includes careful analysis of multiple scenarios and funding approaches to ensure that the project is implemented in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner.
PUBLIC PHASE
Up to this point, the campaign has been conducted through a quiet phase, centered on one-to-one conversations and small, invitation-only gatherings with leadership donors and key supporters. We have now begun preparing for the public phase of the campaign, expected to launch in the next few months, when we will share the full vision and opportunity more broadly with the entire Temple Israel community. This next stage will include expanded communications, informational gatherings, and opportunities for the full congregation to learn more about the project and participate in this transformational effort.
Thank you again for your generosity, leadership, and continued commitment to Temple Israel’s future. Your support is helping ensure that Temple Israel will thrive for the next 75 years and beyond.
Sincerely,
Ellen Greenwald, President of the Board
John Kaufman, Capital Campaign Chair
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Senior Rabbi
Bryan Bierman, Executive Director
Cantor Julia Cadrain, Senior Cantor