Temple fundraising endeavor produces inter-faith support
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007
Members of Fayetteville’s Jewish congregation are hoping to break ground next month on a new place of worship.
The new community center for Temple Shalom, called “ A Temple of Peace”, will serve the Jewish community of Fayetteville and the region and serve as a community resource center for residents and University of Arkansas students of all faiths.
Ralph Nesson, a member of the fundraising committee for the new building, said Temple Shalom is in the middle of an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise $ 1. 2 million for the facility planned for North Sang Avenue.
“ The committee is busily contacting members of the congregation as well as every third cousin eight times removed, ” he said. “ We’re asking everybody locally and nationally to contribute to this wonderful project we think will be an example of how people from diverse backgrounds can work together and build a house of worship that everyone can appreciate and be a part of. ”
Nesson said the committee is seeking private donations and grants.
“ Part of my professional life is writing grant proposals, ” he said. “ We’re looking to national foundations who have given to Jewish capital campaign projects. ”
So far, Nesson said, the committee has raised about $ 670, 000, but has a ways to go before the building construction can begin.
“ We want to break ground in September, ” he said, “ but we can’t do much after we break ground if we don’t have the money to do the construction work. ”
In the meantime, the fundraising committee is looking for more support from the community.
One thing that is going to help, Nesson said, is that Fadil Bayyari, a practicing Muslim, is providing his contracting services at cost.
Bayyari approached temple members and offered his assistance, Nesson said, after reading about the community opposition to temple members trying to establish their synagogue in the Butterfly House.
“ Having that partnership with a practicing Muslim and Palestinian Arab, we really feel that spirit will cross religious boundaries and attract people from all walks of life, ” he said.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
