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Imagine

Imagine. In the middle of the Atlantic. In one of the smallest countries in the world. Emerges…. The Jewish Community Center. Of Bermuda. Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell amongst them. ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם Exodus 25. Who we are….

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Imagine

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  1. Imagine

  2. In the middle of the Atlantic

  3. In one of thesmallest countriesin the world

  4. Emerges…

  5. The Jewish Community Center Of Bermuda

  6. Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell amongst them. ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם Exodus 25

  7. Who we are… • The Jewish Community of Bermuda (JCB) emerged as a result of a United States Naval Base situated on the island during World War II. • In the past, the JCB consisted mainly of naval officers and their families. Other Jews on the island were always welcomed to join in the Services provided by the Base. • In the last 20 years, the percentage of civilians to officers and their families gradually changed. In 1994, due to US budget cuts, the Base was closed. • Our community is now made up solely of Bermudian residents and their families, and expatriates who are Sephardim and Ashkenazim who are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform and come from 15 different countries. • The population of Bermuda is about 65,000. Our community currently consists of about 120 people (including children).

  8. Where we are… • Shabbat services are hosted by various community members once monthly, typically the first Friday of the month. • Hebrew School meets weekly at a member’s home. A Torah Tots program for preschoolers is held on Friday afternoons. Children are prepared for Bar and Bat Mitzvah. • We conduct High Holidays services at a rented hall under the leadership of our visiting rabbi. • We arrange a communal Passover Seder at a rented hall. • We mark the other major holidays with special community events including Sukkoth celebration, Simcha Torah parade, Lag B-Omer picnic, Hanukkah dinner, and Purim party complete with costumes and a reading of the Megillah. 

  9. Our challenges… • We depend on the hospitality of some of our members to conduct Shabbat Services, Hebrew School and many Holidays. • The hall rental for High Holidays and Passover Seder is quite expensive and difficult to arrange. • Keeping kosher is complicated as stores do not sell kosher products. • Due to a lack of a dedicated facility, our community is less centralized and visible in the community. • Raising children with a Jewish identity in an overwhelmingly Christian environment, including Christian prayers said in both the public and most private schools, has been another challenge for us.

  10. We needa place we can call our Own

  11. How do we get there? • We found a building with a 15-year lease and possible extension beyond that time. • The building is centrally located. • The building requires extensive renovation and furnishing. • Refurbishing will be done in 3 phases. • Total projected cost for all 3 phases: $450,000

  12. How do we get there?Phase I - Critical • Estimated Cost of Phase I: $95,000 • Includes: • Rent prepayment and initial operating expenses • Flooring and carpeting • New doors • Air conditioning system • Security system • Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) • Railing and fences

  13. How do we get there?Phase II - Essential • Estimated Cost of Phase II: $140,000 • Includes: • Kitchen renovation, including appliances, flatware, 2 sets of dishes, pots and pans • Lighting • Sanctuary sound system • Furniture • Window treatments • Signage

  14. How do we get there?Phase III - Important • Estimated Cost of Phase III: $215,000 • Includes: • Audio-Visual and IT Equipment • Parking lot (incl. excavation) • Sanctuary furniture (chairs, bookshelves…) • Memorial Wall and Tree of Life • New windows • Building of an Ark and a new Bimah • Refinishing bathrooms

  15. When we have raised the funds and renovated the building… When the synagogue is singing and the kitchen is cooking delicious kosher food and the library is lending and the school room is teaching and the hall is dancing and the office is buzzing and the people are praying…

  16. People will probably call it a multi-purpose Jewish community centre. But we won't.

  17. We will call it HOME

  18. One thing have I desired of God; that I may dwell in the House of God all the days of my life.אחת שאלתי מאת ידוד אותה אבקש שבתי בבית ידוד כל ימי חייPsalm 27

  19. How can you help? We appreciate donations of any amount. Here are ways you can donate: • Make a cash donation or write a check to “JCB Building Fund” • For US citizens and corporations, please contact us if you wish to make a tax-deductible donation • Our contacts are: • Fiona Elkinson: • Phone: 441-505-3000 • Email:fiona.elkinson@gmail.com • Andre Perez: • Phone: 441-535-5896 • Email:andre@horseshoe.bm

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