Be a Lasting Part of Temple Chai’s Future
We are excited to offer a unique opportunity to name or honor loved ones through naming opportunities throughout our new Temple.
Our Temple will be a foundation for generations to come, and having your name or the name of someone dear become part of it is an incredible mitzvah. Each space will hold the warmth and memories of our community, honoring those who helped make it a reality.
If you're interested in learning more about dedication opportunities, click here to see available naming options, or contact David Weiner at [email protected] for further details. Together, we can create a beautiful, lasting home for Temple Chai. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Our Temple will be a foundation for generations to come, and having your name or the name of someone dear become part of it is an incredible mitzvah. Each space will hold the warmth and memories of our community, honoring those who helped make it a reality.
If you're interested in learning more about dedication opportunities, click here to see available naming options, or contact David Weiner at [email protected] for further details. Together, we can create a beautiful, lasting home for Temple Chai. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Our Future Home
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Capital Campaign Update
Questions & Answers
Welcome to the Q&A page about Temple Chai’s future plans, including the actions being taken in anticipation of our physical move to our new home.
Latest Questions
How far along are we on the bidding process for sub-contractors?
We continue to work with the architects and our general contractor to work through the design and bidding process. We just completed the second set of plans and are looking forward to the next, and last step, in putting together the construction documents to be submitted to the City of Phoenix. Working with the general contractor and subcontractors, we have had 2 rounds of bids to date, exploring ways to reduce costs, and the next round should be the final round.
When do we expect the groundbreaking to be?
We would expect the groundbreaking to be in October/November 2024
How long will construction take? We estimate that it will take 10-12 months after we break ground.
We expect construction will take 10-12 months, but we have worked with our architect and general contractor to find ways to save days/weeks off of the overall construction timeline to make sure we’re in our new facility in time.
How long will construction take? We estimate that it will take 10-12 months after we break ground.
We expect construction will take 10-12 months, but we have worked with our architect and general contractor to find ways to save days/weeks off of the overall construction timeline to make sure we’re in our new facility in time.
- How will we celebrate the creation of our new building, and how will we say goodbye to our current home?
We will absolutely have many meaningful opportunities both to say a heartfelt “goodbye and thank you” to our current home and to celebrate the building and dedication of our new home. Our team of clergy, staff, and lay leaders are working on meaningful plans for many special moments in the coming months. Stay tuned for details!
What stage is the Capital Campaign at?
We will be wrapping up the individual solicitations soon and scheduling some additional group meetings. If you would like to speak with us about your gift, please go to the https://tcaz.shulcloud.com/form/contact-capital-campaign.htmlweb and complete the form to request a visit from our campaign team. We have raised $7.2 million (!) of the $8 million (minimum) we need for our project. This last phase is your opportunity to give a meaningful gift, so we meet our minimum amount. We need 100% participation from each of you. Thank you!!
RELOCATION
Where is the proposed new property?
The new property is at the southeast corner of 60th St. and Bell Rd. in Phoenix. The sellers are the Southwest Equine Hospital, which is moving to a new, larger facility.
How did we find that property?
We can thank the Relocation Committee and Beth Jo Zeitzer, our real estate broker.
The Relocation Committee, led by Temple Chai members Jeff Kravetz, Bobbi Kaplan, and Rob Marsh, looked at dozens of spaces, buildings, locations, land parcels, and possible arrangements, including both buying and leasing.
Our broker, Beth Jo Zeitzer, is President and Designated Broker of R.O.I. Properties, a full-service real estate advisory and brokerage firm based in Phoenix. Beth Jo has been active in the Phoenix Jewish community, as past chair of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix and currently through NowGen, a Center of Jewish Philanthropy project. Beth Jo was key to identifying and evaluating the property.
The Relocation Committee, led by Temple Chai members Jeff Kravetz, Bobbi Kaplan, and Rob Marsh, looked at dozens of spaces, buildings, locations, land parcels, and possible arrangements, including both buying and leasing.
Our broker, Beth Jo Zeitzer, is President and Designated Broker of R.O.I. Properties, a full-service real estate advisory and brokerage firm based in Phoenix. Beth Jo has been active in the Phoenix Jewish community, as past chair of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix and currently through NowGen, a Center of Jewish Philanthropy project. Beth Jo was key to identifying and evaluating the property.
Who is the architect?
Eddie Jones of Jones Studio, is the architect. Jones Studio is a mid-size architectural firm based in Tempe with experience in designing and building commercial, residential, and special use projects. Mr. Jones helped redesign the Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary in Paradise Valley, acting as a catalyst to revive the church’s campus, recognizing the need to honor its past while adapting to changing demographics and needs.
Who decides if this is the right property for us?
You do! Ultimately, the congregation will decide.
Based on the findings during the due diligence period, the relocation committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors outlining design, costs, timeline, zoning, and any other considerations. The Board will then vote to move forward with the purchase of the property and bring its recommendation to the congregation, and the congregation will decide by majority vote (see below).
Based on the findings during the due diligence period, the relocation committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors outlining design, costs, timeline, zoning, and any other considerations. The Board will then vote to move forward with the purchase of the property and bring its recommendation to the congregation, and the congregation will decide by majority vote (see below).
If the congregation votes to proceed, what happens next?
There are two main aspects to the physical relocation: First, we build the new campus, and then we move our belongings to the new location.
What is the timing for the move?
We expect permitting to take 3 to 6 months and then approximately 8 to 12 months for construction which will begin first on the ECC. If needed, the SCA Administration has told us we can ask for a lease extension that they will present to their board.
What physical belongings will we be taking with us?
The plan is to take elements that have religious or special meaning to the congregation, such as the yahrzeit wall plaques. However, not everything will, or could, survive a move, and some items may be creatively utilized in ways not yet finalized. We will know more in the coming months and will share updates here, and we will be engaging a small group of congregants knowledgeable about our history to aid in this process.
APPROVING THE PURCHASE
Can the Board approve the purchase without the congregation’s approval?
No. The Temple Chai bylaws state that the membership must vote to approve the relocation of the synagogue.
When will the congregation get to vote? How will the members vote?
Voting will open at noon on October 23 and will close at noon on October 25. The results will be announced by noon on October 26.
The voting process will be entirely electronic and anonymous; you’ll vote using a Web browser. We will use the same process and software (eBallot) as we did when we voted to approve the election of Rabbi Segal as our Senior Rabbi.
The voting process will be entirely electronic and anonymous; you’ll vote using a Web browser. We will use the same process and software (eBallot) as we did when we voted to approve the election of Rabbi Segal as our Senior Rabbi.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
How will we pay for the property, the move, and the operating costs of the new campus?
The good news is that we have a good start with the proceeds of the sale. The rest will come from fundraising via a capital campaign. To be clear, it is absolutely necessary to raise money to create our new location, just as it would have been had Temple Chai voted to stay in its current location.
In addition to raising funds for our new home, we have already taken many steps to ensure our ongoing operating costs are not only well managed but are lower in the current fiscal year. A detailed three-year future budget forecast has been created to ensure that we will be able to fully sustain the needed operating costs of our congregation once we inhabit our new home.
In addition to raising funds for our new home, we have already taken many steps to ensure our ongoing operating costs are not only well managed but are lower in the current fiscal year. A detailed three-year future budget forecast has been created to ensure that we will be able to fully sustain the needed operating costs of our congregation once we inhabit our new home.
Who is involved in the fundraising effort?
The co-chairs of the capital campaign are Art Paikowsky and Lanny Lahr, two long-time Temple Chai members who are very experienced fundraisers. Additionally, David Weiner, president of the Board of Directors, as well as Rabbi Segal and the clergy team are very involved in fundraising.
Will I be asked to contribute to the capital campaign?
Our hope is that every Temple Chai member will contribute to the capital campaign at the level that seems right to each person and family. Every member of the Board of Directors and each member of our executive leadership staff team have pledged to the campaign.
What is the best way to decide how much to contribute to the capital campaign?
In the Talmud, Rabbi Tarfon taught “You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Applied to this campaign, ideally every person who benefits from Temple Chai, along with those who also want to ensure a vibrant Jewish life in the Valley, will give at a meaningful level according to their ability. All gifts are respected and appreciated. (Because Temple Chai is a 501(c)3 organization, your gifts are tax deductible. Consult your own tax advisor for details.)
Applied to this campaign, ideally every person who benefits from Temple Chai, along with those who also want to ensure a vibrant Jewish life in the Valley, will give at a meaningful level according to their ability. All gifts are respected and appreciated. (Because Temple Chai is a 501(c)3 organization, your gifts are tax deductible. Consult your own tax advisor for details.)
What about those who contributed to past capital campaigns to build and sustain the property on Marilyn Rd.?
If you contributed to creating and sustaining the current property and building, thank you! Your generosity helped bring us to where we are today.
As Temple Chai looks forward, our needs are changing, and the landscape for creating and sustaining vibrant Jewish life in flexible and safe spaces is different than it was years ago. That’s why we have a new capital campaign. You helped Temple Chai’s become what it is today. We ask you to help create Temple Chai’s future.
As Temple Chai looks forward, our needs are changing, and the landscape for creating and sustaining vibrant Jewish life in flexible and safe spaces is different than it was years ago. That’s why we have a new capital campaign. You helped Temple Chai’s become what it is today. We ask you to help create Temple Chai’s future.
What if I am ready to give right now?
Contact Wendy Cohen, Executive Director, at (602) 971-1234 or [email protected]. If you are already connected to David Weiner, Art Paikowsky, or Lanny Lahr, they would love to hear from you.
WHAT IF THE COSTS EXCEED OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS?
If we don’t raise enough money during the initial phases of the capital campaign to purchase the property and build the new campus, we will delay part of the construction in order to ensure we don’t spend more than we raise. The project involves four major outlays: Purchasing the property at 60th Street and Bell, and the construction three linked structures: The Sanctuary/Social Hall building, the Education Center, and the Administrative Offices sufficient money comes in, we will undertake to construct all three buildings. If not, we will build the Sanctuary/Social Hall and Education Center initially and hold o further construction until more money is raised. In that case, we have contingency plans to use classroom space and parts of the Social Hall for administration and once space. We may need to also rent some o-site space. While this is obviously not ideal, we have worked with the architects and general contractor to have the plans in place for a phased approach.
DOES THE BUDGET HAVE AN ALLOWANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION DELAYS?
Yes, there is a contingency into the budget, based on advice from the general contractor about typical delays and the associated costs.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED IMPACT ON MEMBERSHIP DUES?
Our three-year budget does not include any increases in membership dues, beyond the normal annual increases to cover increases in salaries, maintenance costs, and operating costs. There are also no plans for any type of special building fees or membership assessment due to the construction of the new campus. The goal is for dues and program fees to remain competitive with those congregations in our local community that covers similar facilities, services, and programming as Temple Chai
WHAT’S THE TIME PERIOD FOR PAYING CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PLEDGES?
The Temple Chai board voted to allow donors to pay their capital campaign pledges in installments over three years, though of course we would prefer if donors paid the entire pledge upfront if they have the capacity to do so. Regular payments help provide the cash we needed to pay costs during the construction phase, and to support the relocation itself. Note that the board has allowed for some very significant gifts to be paid in installments over a five-year period.
WHICH BANK IS FINANCING THE NEW MORTGAGE?
And soon as the underwriting process is complete, we will release the name of the new bank. We were asked about the previous mortgage: It was about $1.6 million and was paid for after we received the proceeds from selling the current property. At this time, Temple Chai has no debt, and the rest of the sale proceeds are in the bank ready to be used for the 60th Street and Bell property acquisition.
And soon as the underwriting process is complete, we will release the name of the new bank. We were asked about the previous mortgage: It was about $1.6 million and was paid for after we received the proceeds from selling the current property. At this time, Temple Chai has no debt, and the rest of the sale proceeds are in the bank ready to be used for the 60th Street and Bell property acquisition.
OPERATIONAL ISSUES
Will Temple Chai be Temple Chai if it moves to a new location?
All Temple Chai funds are carefully managed, and the sale revenue and capital campaign money are kept in a separate account from the congregation’s operating funds.
WILL TEMPLE CHAI continue to operate as we do now while we are under construction?
Yes. We will continue providing the same services, programs, and activities, including worship services, preschool (ECC), religious school, adult learning, social action, lifecycle events, pastoral care, and more, until we are ready to move and, of course, in our new space. If anything changes, we’ll let you know.
WHERE WILL THE ECC AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HAVE CLASSES
The Early Childhood Center and the Religious School will have classes in the new Education Center building. That’s the same arrangement as we have in the current campus, and sharing classrooms is common in synagogues that for both an ECC and Religious School.
IS THE DESIGN ECOLOGICALLY SOUND, AND WILL ECOLOGICAL MATERIALS BE USED?
The design will leverage passive design strategies to ensure that the building will be as sustainable as the budget will allow. Some of the strategies that have been considered are glass shading, high energy efficient products, sun angle considerations, lighter color building finishes which will reflect the sun rather than absorbing it, the use of rain screen design to allow heat to dissipate before it enters the building skin, and passive rainwater collection design to leverage every drop of water the campus receives for watering plants. In addition, plants will be selected that are native to Arizona to reduce the water consumption and maintenance requirements for the landscaping.
WILL THE NEW DESIGN INCLUDE SOLAR ENERGY?
The current budget will not allow for solar energy production. However, the rooftops of the buildings will have stub-ups for electrical conduit which will allow solar to be installed at a later date.
HOW WILL THE DESIGN REGULATE HEAT GAIN, ESPECIALLY DURING SUMMER MONTHS AND DURING HIGH HOLIDAYS
The building design will leverage passive design strategies to ensure that the building skin is not over-burdening the mechanical system (air conditioning). In addition, the Sanctuary will have a metal rainscreen that will be detailed to allow heat to be vertically dissipated before entering the building’s inner skin. The framing of the side walls will use 2x10 materials which will allow for a greater depth of insulation — up to an R-38 insulation value compared to an R-19 for a 2x6 frame wall. The glass walls will use high efficiency glass products to reduce heat transfer and the exterior courtyard walls and courtyard trees will shade the glass during the hottest times of the day.
HOW ARE WE MANAGING LIGHT AND SHADING INTO OUR FACES DURING SERVICES?
Because of the solar shading design strategies mentioned above, there will never be sunlight directly in the faces of anyone in the congregation. To further protect against possible glare in the mornings, operable shades will allow for shading of the eastern facing building face.
DOES THE DESIGN INCLUDE A KITCHEN?
The new campus will include a catering kitchen; it will be smaller than the existing kitchen. Many of the current pieces of kitchen equipment will come with us.
WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE SOUND AND VISUAL PROJECTION FROM THE BIMAH TO THE BACK OF THESANCTUARY?
Yes, the upper walls of the Sanctuary will be used for visual projection in two locations on either side of the bimah. In addition, the view angles from the back of the social hall all the way up to the bimah projection surfaces will allow for visibility on the High Holy Days. For sound, an audiovisual and acoustic engineer will design an audio system that allows for optimum listening conditions in the Sanctuary, Lobby, and Social Hall.
WILL THERE BE SUFFICIENT STORAGE?
The architectural design includes lots of storage for furniture and other items that won’t be used all the time.
WILL THERE BE A SMALL SAnCTUARY?
The design does not include a small sanctuary, but it does have outdoors medication space in the gardens. There will also be a muti-purpose room that can be configured into a Beit Midrash that can accommodate about 50 people for services or programs in an intimate space.
WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE MISTERS FOR OUTDOOR SEATING?
If the budget allows it, misters can be used for outdoor seating. Given the hard water in Arizona and the maintenance requirements, a reverse-osmosis (R.O.) water system would be necessary at this scale, which would be a new expense.
WILL THE NEW SANCTUARY HAVE PEWS
We love the flexibility of chairs in the sanctuary, which offers many benefits over fixed pews. That’s why we are taking the current sanctuary chairs to the new campus.
WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE SOUND AND VISUAL PROJECTION FROM THE BIMAH TO THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY?
Yes, the upper walls of the Sanctuary will be used for visual projection in two locations on either side of the bimah. In addition, the view angles from the back of the social hall all the way up to the bimah projection surfaces will allow for visibility on the High Holy Days. For sound, an audiovisual and acoustic engineer will design an audio system that allows for optimum listening conditions in the Sanctuary, Lobby, and Social Hall.
WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE NOISE ABATEMENT FROM STREET AND TRAFFIC SOUNDS?
The possible street noise will be abated through use of site walls and landscaping to detect and absorb the sound. However, not all traffic sounds can be eliminated.
WILL THE DESIGN INCLUDE MEDITATION SPACES?
Currently, the design includes two meditation spaces. One is in the Beit Midrash located in the Administration building, and the other is the Memorial Garden surrounding the Sanctuary.
DO WE HAVE A PRACTICAL AND COST-EFFECTIVE PLAN TO MANAGE THE GARDEN MAINTENANCE?
Absolutely. The garden space will use passive water collection systems diverted from water collected from the roof tops. The planning strategy will be designed to allow for natural growth and pruning. Very little maintenance will be required if the planting is allowed to grow naturally; only seasonal pruning will be required.
HAS THOUGHT BEEN GIVEN TO WATER USE FOR THE LANDSCAPING? GIVEN CURRENT WATER SHORTAGES IN THE CITY, IS LANDSCAPING PRUDENT?
The project has no grass that requires watering; decomposed granite will be used for garden spaces. All plants species in the project will be native plants that are drought tolerant and will require minimal watering. In addition, passive roof-top rainwater collection will greatly reduce the need for water used from the public utilities.
IS THE SCHOOL SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A SECURITY INCIDENT?
Safety and security have been at the top of our mind during the design process for the entre campus. We prefer not to place details about the security arrangements in writing on a public website. We can share, however, that there are two security doors in the Education Center that someone must pass through before getting to the classrooms. Each classroom is secure, and each classroom also has two exits, one internal, one external, should an evacuation become necessary. (new section: COMMUNITY)
WHAT IS TEMPLE CHAI’S “GOOD NEIGHBOR” PLAN?
At the proper time, we will organize events with neighbors near the 60th Street and Bell campus to introduce Temple Chai and to demonstrate our value for the community. That includes St. Bernadete’s Catholic Church, just south of the campus on 60Th Street. These events are in the planning stages, and community members will have opportunity for input and involvement.
RELOCATION DO WE REQUIRE A VARIANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION?
In short, we require a variance because we wish to use a larger footprint (square footage) for our buildings than would generally be permitted for the size of the lot at 60th Street and Bell. In construction and zoning terms, a variance is a request to the City of Phoenix to allow a deviation from a development standard required by the Zoning Ordinance. (Note that despite the Scottsdale ZIP code, the property is in Phoenix.) The variance we’re asking for is a common request, and we do not anticipate an issue. Houses of worship treated preferentially in zoning matters, so that’s also in our favor. Note that this variance doesn’t require any involvement from the neighbors; it’s strictly a City of Phoenix issue. We will update this document as soon as we have news about the variance.
WHAT IS THE CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE?
We anticipate permitting could take 3-6 months, and construction will take between 8-10 months after that. We plan to build the Education Center first so the kids can get into their new classrooms as soon as possible. We will update this document as plans evolve.
WHEN CAN WE MOVE INTO THE NEW CAMPUS?
We will prepare for the move by packing our belongings in phases as we get near to our occupancy date. The ECC will be the first to move into the Education Center building, ideally 8-10 months after construction begins; we will be prioritizing that. We will communicate about the progress of the construction and anticipated move dates as the project progresses.
APPROVING THE PURCHASE HOW MANY VOTES DOES EACH HOUSEHOLD RECEIVE?
If you have a single membership, you have one vote.
EVERYTHING ELSE
I have questions!
That’s great! Please ask because we have answers! Contact Wendy Cohen, Executive Director, at (602) 971-1234 or [email protected].
Will you be updating this page?
Yes, we will be adding more information as we proceed through this exciting process.
What else can I do?
Talk with your family and friends about the future you want to see and create for Temple Chai. Ask questions. Prepare for the vote. And tell everyone about all the wonderful things happening here!