Background
For the past 20 years we have relentlessly pursued our dream of building a synagogue of our own, in the hope of parting ways with the high school auditorium which has been our temporary home since the Congregation was founded 25 years ago.
After 15 years of fighting for a plot of land on which to build, the case finally reached the Israeli Supreme Court, which ruled that Darchei Noam must be allocated land. After that, it took another 5 years and more hard work until the much-desired Building Permit was finally obtained in March 2006. In June of that year, a very emotional Groundbreaking Ceremony took place in the presence of members and friends of the congregation, as well as representatives from the Reform Movement overseas.
The Building
Our new synagogue is currently being built on Yavne Street on the border between Ramat Hasharon and Herzliya, and will therefore serve residents of both towns.
The well-known architect Saadia Mandel was commissioned to design a modest and functional structure. Today, visitors to the construction site can attest to the fact that the building Mandel has designed is much more than merely functional. It is truly beautiful and extremely impressive.
The new synagogue will measure a total of 1079 m² (11,610 sq.ft.) spread over a basement, a ground floor and a gallery floor.
Update on the Building’s Progress
Today, the construction of the building’s structure has been completed, thanks to funds raised internally by the congregation. On Tu B’Shvat in February 2008, we held a festive tree planting ceremony outside the future entrance of the synagogue, as this album atests.
Currently we are working hard to raise the $2 million needed to complete the building. We receive small contributions regularly, but we still need a lot of help to reach our goal.
You can follow our progress in our web album.
The importance of Having a Building
The region served by Darchei Noam consists almost entirely of a non-Orthodox population, most of whom are unaffiliated but attend a synagogue during the High Holidays and on other occasions. Although there is considerable demand for the services of the Reform movement, many potential congregants have found it difficult to relate to Darchei Noam as a full-functioning synagogue due to the lack of proper facilities.
Based on the experience of similar congregations in other Israeli towns, Darchei Noam expects to double or even triple its membership as soon as it has its own building, and there is little doubt that it will establish itself as an important and attractive alternative to the numerous Orthodox synagogues in the area which cater mainly to a non-Orthodox public.
Lack of Public Funding
Unfortunately, due to a long-standing political and religious status quo, only Orthodox institutions are eligible for public funding in Israel, and they enjoy generous financial support from various government authorities. Reform congregations such as Darchei Noam do not receive a single shekel from any public source whatsoever and must therefore raise all funds independently. For the members of Darchei Noam who have overcome so many obstacles in the past 20 years, this may be the hardest struggle of all.
Be Our Partner – Donate to our Building Fund
It is now possible to contribute to Darchei Noam's Building Fund online, using any credit card or your PayPal account. If you are interested, please click here. (Note: a PayPal account is not required. If you need any assistance, do contact us).
For more information about donation, please contact us. There are opportunities for naming all or parts of the synagogue in memory or in honor of loved ones.