Congregation Temple Israel has begun a series of facility updates, all of which are scheduled to take place throughout the summer of 2015. 

Some of the facility improvements include:

• Creating the Handelman Gathering Place, a space for members to relax and congregate

• Updating the main building restrooms,

• Replacement of the main building’s hallway lighting with more energy efficient LED fixtures and bulbs

• Renovation of the exterior limestone

• Additional accessibility features 

Most of the updates are taking place on the northeast portion of the main building, and should not disturb Shabbat services, class and meeting space, or the west side of the facility, which houses the DECC daycare and preschool, religious school and Camp Shook.

Construction is scheduled to be complete before High Holiday service in mid-September.

“These exciting improvements are an investment in making our now 50-year-old building and grounds more functional, up to date and beautiful,” said David Chassin, vice president of the executive board and facilities committee member, co-managing the current construction projects at Temple Israel. 

Funding for these updates comes from the Livnot: To Build Fund, donations specifically allocated for facility improvements, and a gift from the estate of Frieda Handelman.

For more information, visit ti-stl.org, or call 314-432-8050.