|
|
October 31, 2003
White Rock's new home
Young Jewish community reaches important milestone.
DEBBIE COSSEVER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
Beginning with just a few families 10 years ago, the White Rock
South Surrey Jewish community has grown so big, it celebrated the
grand opening of its first permanent home on Sunday, Sept. 21. Having
rented different spaces for school, office and group programs for
many years, all activities will now be at the centre, located at
#32-3033 King George Hwy., South Surrey.
One hundred people were on hand to tour the premises and hear warm
speeches of congratulations from the many dignitaries on hand that
afternoon. Mayors from White Rock and Surrey spoke of how happy
they are that the organization has chosen the area for their home.
VIPs from Vancouver were also present. Mitch Gropper, head of Combined
Jewish Appeal, spoke on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater
Vancouver. Marcie Flom, David Berson and Karen Berger were also
in the crowd. Some old WRSS JCC board members were there to see
the new digs, surprised at how far the organization had come.
Words of greeting and congratulations from founders Ted Gerstl and
his wife, Candy Schwartz, came all the way from Tuscany. Rabbi Phillip
Bregman affixed a mezuzah and the Wosk Torah, home at last in the
centre's new ark, was presented to the audience. It was an emotional
moment.
President Lorne Kotzer reminded everyone that the work of raising
money to sustain the building has just begun and that their support
is crucial. He then thanked Kenny Shalinsky, a special member who
spearheaded the planning and building of the centre. Shalinsky was
given a beautiful gift and he thanked all the trades people involved
and members who volunteered many hours in the building of the space.
Special mention was made of the donors of the ner tamid (eternal
flame), the decorative rock wall behind the ark and the newly installed
Tree of Life. The crowd acknowledged all of Shalinsky's hard work.
For information on upcoming centre programs, such as children's
play groups or adult education, please contact Leela, the office
co-ordinator, at 604-541-9995. For an e-mailed or mailed copy of
the latest newsletter, contact [email protected].
Debbie Cossever is a previous White Rock South Surrey
Jewish community board member and an involved building committee
member.
^TOP
|
|
