Trudy Sudin has been a congregant at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion for nearly three decades.

“I’m considered one of the newer members,” she quipped.

Sudin may be kidding but her joke about how deep historical roots run at this century-old shul had special meaning Sunday morning as she watched a procession of a dozen Torahs file past, with men dancing and singing, marking the move to NHBZ’s new home. This weekend the congregation officially became the first Jewish house of worship in Olivette transferring its scrolls to a newly erected $2 million facility behind Logos School at Price at Old Bonhomme roads.

It marks NHBZ’s first move since the 1950s.

“It’s very moving,” said Sudin, who snapped photos in the old building as its contents were packed. “We’re literally moving the Torahs and that means we’re moving our spirituality from this place with lots of love and memories to the new shul which is going to be vibrant and ready for the next millennium.”

Like Sudin, Alan Haber, a 12-year congregant at NHBZ, lives in Olivette and was happy to see the big day finally arrive.

“This will be a generational growth,” he said. “We anticipate when we move into Olivette, we will continue to grow and younger people will be joining us. It’s the culmination of a dream.”

For Sidney Silverman, the moment was bittersweet as he awaited the Torah procession.

“I’ve been a member here for 44 years and I’m leaving a lot of great memories here in this building,” he said. “However, I’m looking forward to moving into the new building and coming up with some new great memories.”

Debbie Sher found herself wiping away a tear just before the festivities got underway. Now a member at Shaare Emeth Congregation, she grew up at NHBZ and was married there.

“I’m happy for the congregation that they are getting a new building,” said the 47-year-old Chesterfield resident. “I just wanted to come by today to say goodbye to the old one.”

Upon arrival at the new shul, there was more singing, dancing and cheering as a standing room-only crowd watched the installation of the Torahs followed by remarks from local dignitaries.

NHBZ broke ground on the 13,000-square-foot structure last summer. The two-story facility features new administrative offices, a Shabbat elevator, a chapel, meat and dairy kitchens, a teen lounge, a children’s room and a multipurpose area.

Still, it may be most unique for what it doesn’t have. There is no primary furnace in the building nor is there a traditional air conditioning system. Climate control is provided by geothermal wells sunk some 200 feet into the surrounding soil. It’s one of a number of “green” features in the edifice, which was constructed with an emphasis on recycled materials and utilizes solar panels to generate much of its own power.

A few finishing touches are yet to be put in place including details regarding fencing and landscaping. Some of the stained glass from the old building is due to be moved to backlit window boxes in the sanctuary though they will no longer serve as windows.

“They’re not energy efficient but they are beautiful,” said Bob Kaiser, president of the congregation.

In his remarks to the crowd, Kaiser talked of lessons from Deuteronomy and the Israelites arrival in the Promised Land telling the congregation that the work was only just beginning. The festivities were a “kickoff event,” he said, not just a “kick-back-and-enjoy celebration.”

“Just as Deuteronomy marked the end of a physical journey but not the end of the spiritual journey, the building of our synagogue does not mark the end of our spiritual mission,” he said.

Olivette Mayor Jean Antoine welcomed the congregation to his municipality, speaking on the importance of community.

“I suggest that the best meaning for community is that we are individual of each other but individuals can and do work and play together, where they protect, respect, help and value one another,” he said. “That’s my definition.”

Jewish Federation executive vice-president Barry Rosenberg mentioned his organization’s strategic plan to build a prosperous Judaic presence in the Gateway region.

“Synagogues are central to that mission,” he said. “Your success in bringing this new shul to fruition in Olivette is a fabulous contribution to the future of St. Louis as a thriving Jewish community.”

Rabbi Ze’ev Smason recalled the synagogue’s long history, which began with a minyan 105 years ago that met not far from where the Rams now play football. His remarks spoke of the changing nature of NHBZ as it continued to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community with many different levels of observance. He said it was important to be welcoming to all Jews regardless of their movement affiliation and that in all his years as a rabbi, he had never heard anyone say that their goal was simply to be an Orthodox Jew.

“But I have met many individuals who have said that they would like to be a better Jew and that’s what Nusach Hari is for,” he said.

Interviewed after his speech, Smason said the move was the culmination of a dream stretching back more than a decade.

“We had people, even before we broke ground who moved into the community in anticipation of this new synagogue,” he said. “Even before we’ve begun services, we’ve seen an outpouring of interest and excitement.”

He said he thinks the synagogue’s new home should have the same staying power as its previous location.

“We hope to be here at least that long or until the Messiah comes, whichever comes first,” Smason chuckled.

Robert Levine, a 23-year member of NHBZ, was accorded the honor of carrying one of the Torahs.

“It really was heartwarming and kind of gives tingles to your spine a little,” said Levine, who noted that he married into a fifth-generation NHBZ family. “I just really appreciate having the opportunity to do something like that.”

For all the celebration over the new building, the fate of the old one in a challenging real estate market remains uncertain. A 2009 contract on the structure fell through some time ago.

NHBZ continues to seek a buyer for its former home.