Help EMJC Restore Its Sanctuary

The East Midwood Jewish Center has served our area since 1924, but its grand building at 1625 Ocean Avenue – which is listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places – is starting to feel its age.

The sanctuary’s grand stained glass dome, plus two of its large three-story stained glass panel windows, have suffered damage over time, including during some recent storms. Work is currently underway to restore them, but EMJC is hoping to get some help from the neighborhood.

EMJC has set up an online fundraiser to reach its $33,000 goal:

In ancient Israel, there was a biblical tradition of crowd-funding, where every adult, rich or poor, younger or older, would contribute half a “shekel” for the maintenance of the Wilderness Sanctuary. The one day each year when we remember that age-old custom falls on February 9, 2013 and is called Shabbat Shekalim – the Sabbath of Shekels.

We are asking you to help us keep this treasure in Brooklyn safe and sound. We are asking for some of your “Shekels.”

Many donations come with perks – some from EMJC members – including a copy of the book The Lost Synagogues of Brooklyn by Ellen Levitt, a custom-crocheted kippa by Aliza Avital, a private dinner with Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass at Pardes in Boerum Hill, and more.

The fundraiser is open until March 13, and you can make a tax-deductible donation online here.