1.) Why a capital campaign at this time?
The goal of Building for the Generations is to sustain and strengthen
North
Shore Congregation and its ability to provide a setting for Jewish life, Jewish learning, and Jewish worship. The two prior capital campaigns which provided the 1185 Sheridan Road campus in 1964 and the expansion of space in 1982 addressed the needs for those times. This capital campaign responds to the changes in Jewish spiritual and educational experiences in the twenty-first century.
The successful completion of this campaign will provide space for our burgeoning early childhood, youth, and family programming which are the future of our synagogue community. Our preschool is at capacity and can’t satisfy demand. The facility doesn’t fit the current classroom model and has severe security and safety deficiencies. Likewise the religious school classrooms do not accommodate experiential learning and age-appropriate life cycle events. And that facility too is deficient in its security and safety design. And throughout the building, space arrangements do not foster a sense of community nor do they allow for flexibility in programming.
2.) What are the major objectives of the building program?
a. Transforming the educational experience: dedicated preschool classrooms, modern school classrooms and ancillary space, family and adult education space.
b. Enhancing worship space: improved handicap access, safety modifications to both bimahs, improved sanctuary lighting.
c. Enriching communal and worship activities: reconstruction of the entrance to Perlman Sanctuary, expansion of Rebecca K Crown Social Hall.
d. Modernizing the physical plant: upgrade of infrastructure, modernization of the kitchen, reconfigured office space for clergy and administrators.
3.) Does this project assume any growth in the membership of the congregation?
No. This project is designed to meet the needs of the congregation today and in the foreseeable future. Since our community remains demographically stable, the project is intended to meet present needs, evolving programming priorities and afford enough flexibility to accommodate the congregation as the program continues to develop.
4.) How long will construction take?
The renovations will be in three phases: Perlman Sanctuary( to be completed by High Holy Days 2006); Worship spaces and physical plant (to be completed in 2006); School addition and renovation (to begin in 2007)
5.) How much is required to complete the capital improvements?
Building for the Generations is a two part campaign. Funding is needed for the improvements to the facilities. Additionally, an endowment for the on-going operation and maintenance of those facilities will ensure that the building and related programming can sustain itself in the future.
6.) Will the synagogue incur debt?
The synagogue will use pledges received as collateral for a loan to be paid off as capital campaign monies are received.
7.) Will the congregation be assessed to finance any part of the project?
Dues assessments will not be increased, nor the building fund contribution be raised, as a result of these capital expenditures.
8.) What happens if all the funds are not raised?
Each phase of the capital campaign will be financed separately. If sufficient funds are not pledged, improvements in the last phase will not be implemented.
9.) What effect does the capital campaign have on the operating budget?
Building for the Generations will pay construction costs and investment income from the portions of pledged funds placed in NSCI’s endowment fund will be used for the maintenance of the facilities.
10.) How does Building for the Generations affect the normal synagogue fund-raising?
This is a separate capital campaign. The synagogue will continue its fundraising programs of annual giving, planned giving, and special events.
11.) What kinds of gifts will be accepted?
Tax deductible gifts of cash, noncash assets, or pledges of future payments may be made to our Executive Director, Serane Blatt – 847/835-0724. Pledges may be paid over five years [up to ten years for gifts greater than $100,000] in amounts designated by the donor. Flexible endowment pledges and planned gifts such as bequests and trust arrangements, a critical part of capital campaign, may be arranged with the synagogue.
