The JHJC Kol

Monthly News from the Jackson Hole Jewish Community

April 1, 2025 | 4 Nisan 5785 | Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Dear JHJC Members, we are on track to close on the purchase of the property as soon as April 16. Here are recent updates and milestones for the Go Forth Building and Community Fund. 

Campaign Status:

We are proud to report that we’ve surpassed our $5M fundraising goal and are continuing to raise money to support additional building projects and improve the interior and exterior spaces and fund increased programming. The surplus will also pay short-term loan interest fees and provide a buffer for additional renovation needs. Please let us know if you want to support the Go Forth Building and Community Fund by emailing Brad or Mary.

Highlights: 

• Pledge Commitments: $5,706,086
• Donations received to date: $1,984,664
• Bequests and Estate Plans Committed: $500,000
• Number of Individual/Family Commitments: 66

Building Purchase:

We are finalizing a $2 million private loan provided by a JHJC community member, which will be used to help purchase the property. Once the loan is funded, we will have ample cash on hand to purchase the building and immediately begin the design and construction process (more to follow next week).

Loan Highlights:

• 6.75% interest rate.
• 5-year term with 2 years interest only.
• Expected donation timing will allow us to fully repay the loan in less than 3 years.(more than 2 years ahead of schedule) while fully funding construction.
• The loan is secured by the property.
• The lender has pledged to donate the interest back to the building campaign.
• The lender has accepted the appraisal, and we expect all loan funding conditions to be met before the closing date.
• Loan documents to be signed this week.

Security Assessment:

On February 25, the Secure Community Network (SCN) Regional Director assessed the security of our new building. He found the structure impressive and suggested security improvements, such as impact-resistant window film and double door entries (mantraps). We will use his recommendations to support our DHS Nonprofit Security Grant application in May.

Looking back and looking ahead:

On March 5, the Jackson Planning Commission approved the Planning Department’s recommendation to approve our CUP.

Next, the Town Council meeting is at 6 PM, April 7, 2025. Please attend in person at the Jackson Town Council Chambers or via Zoom if you would like to comment publicly in support of the building. 

Expect to hear more soon on the design and construction process once we have the go-ahead on town approval and purchase. 

Don't hesitate to contact Brad or Mary if you have questions. 

Ad Hoc Diligence and Feasibility Committee

• Brad Adams, staff/legal/property planning
• Andrew Apfelberg, finance
• Jeff Cohodes, finance
• Ben Goldberg, board/ planning/legal
• Lisa Goldstein, board/fundraising
• Mary Grossman, staff/fundraising
• Liz King, fundraising
• Josh Kleyman, staff/fundraising
• Paula Romberg, board/legal
• Leah Schwartz, legal/property planning
• Rachel Stam, board/finance
• Wade Strauss, finance
• Laurie Thal, board/fundraising
• Larry Thal, property planning

Scenes from March 2025

For more photos and live videos, ask to join Jackson Hole Jews on Facebook.

Shabbat Dinner Potluck and Aprés Ski with Adeena Sussman

Security Expert Sarit Zahavi, visiting from Israel, speaks to a packed house at the JHJC and Town Square Rally

Pickleball Happy Hour! If you missed it this time, look for more JHJC Pickleball this summer.

Margaret "The Missile" Hochheiser was the one to fear.

Purim Shabbat Dinner