June 1, 2023

Dear Friends,

We're working through the post-fire process and several key things are happening this week that feel like real progress! We've been given approval to clean and restore the kitchen in the next several days. The temporary electrical service and air scrubbers will be operational in the front of the building in the next day allowing for full-scale restoration work to begin. Next steps will include the complete emptying of Cantor Sager's Music Library and all of the administrative offices. We will need to tear out the carpet and ceilings that are badly smoke damaged and discern what of our contents are salvageable after the April 13 fire.

We know we've got a long way to go, and it will take months to address all of the electrical and related systems that have been completely destroyed by the fire. But, work is underway, and we'll keep you updated on the progress as well go. I invite you to go on a tour by clicking on the various links below which I have narrated to share the devastation we are facing.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement during this challenging time,

Julianna Johnston Senturia

Executive Director

A view from the Bonda Chapel where everything "looks fine," but it's not due to the smoke and no electricity.

NARRATED VIDEO HERE

Continuing on to the Senior Rabbi's Study, you get a sense of what we are facing.

NARRATED VIDEO HERE

Our administrative area and Cantor Sager's Music Library are very badly damaged.

NARRATED VIDEO HERE

Our beautiful Mandel Sanctuary "appears" as you know it, but we can't use the space because the smell is overwhelming, no electrical/streaming, and core damage nearby.

NARRATED VIDEO HERE

Our artwork which was exposed to smoke will need to be cleaned by special companies to preserve them.

NARRATED VIDEO HERE

Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, June 2, 6:15 pm

Zoom only

This Shabbat Evening service will be led by Cantor Lapin, Rabbi Nosanchuk, and Rabbi Caruso who will speak. There will be no in-person gathering. For Zoom link, email Jenny Marmaros here by Friday, noon.

Click here for the names being read during memorial prayers.

If you didn't see yesterday's eblast, you can click here for other upcoming programs.

Exciting News to Share

We are excited to announce that our Fairmount Temple Early Childhood Center and The Mandel Jewish Community Center (The J) have entered into a partnership in which Mandel JCC will oversee our Early Childhood Center for one year. We remain the Fairmount Temple ECC and we are grateful for the J's expertise.

• To read more, click here
• We still have some openings for the fall. To learn more or for a tour, contact Assistant Director Holly Green here.

Click here for the NEW June issue of Connections



For initial information for our post-fire High Holy Day plans, click here for the message from Rabbi Nosanchuk.

Please note, this month's issue is not being mailed to homes. Printed copies are available at temple. If you or someone you know would like the printed issue, email Cassie Morris here and she'll gladly mail you one.