Dear friends,

We have some exciting news about the future of the Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Building on our rich history and very strong foundation of more than 130 years, we are ready to launch our efforts serving our community for generations to come.

Since December 2018, then president Lorne Weiss and many members of our congregation dedicated thousands of hours to outline a plan for a capital campaign to revitalize and renovate our beloved synagogue. We thank them for the incredible amount of energy and time committed to this worthy cause.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic turned everyone's world upside down and the launch of the campaign was put off for obvious reasons. Now that we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, we will be launching the capital campaign with renewed energy and a commitment to re-engage with you, answer your questions and incorporate your feedback.

We acknowledge that the post-COVID world will be very different from what we knew before March 2020. We learnt that virtual gatherings, online engagements, and support to members of our congregation is possible when we come together and when we build meaningful programs to serve our entire congregation. We want to continue our virtual presence and look forward to in person services and events in what we call a "hybrid model". A little of the old and a little of the new.

Where are we now? We have retained professional expertise to help us in this journey. Number TEN Architectural Group, Akman Construction and McKim Communications Group are hard at work to complete this incredible undertaking for the congregation.

The project will most likely start after Yom Kippur 2021, with the not so exciting but most needed removal of asbestos, the reconstruction of the roof and all required maintenance, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical upgrades, such as the replacement of the heat, circulation and air conditioning systems, taking us well into 2022. The remediation work outlined must be done for the safety of our congregation and the integrity of the building.

But do not worry, our staff, board and volunteers are working hard to secure a comparable space that will allow us to continue with all our services, including potential in person gatherings and catering. The project renovation might take between 18-months to 2 years.

One of the most exciting next steps of this initiative is the opportunity to engage with every member of our congregation to ensure there is sufficient time to gather your thoughts, your input and to connect one on one while remediation is completed. While remediation is underway, we will be reaching out to get your input for the interior renovation of the sanctuary, social hall, offices and meeting spaces. There will be several opportunities to gather your suggestions, including 'Town Halls' (either in person or virtually) throughout the summer and fall. We need ideas and suggestions from anyone that wants to participate and have their voice heard. At the end of the day, we want everyone to feel at home in the renewed space.

We are incredibly fortunate to have renewed leadership to guide us on this ambitious campaign and new chapter at the synagogue.

We are also pleased to have engaged Bob Freedman as our fundraising consultant, who will also assist with the coordination of various aspects of the project. Bob is available to engage with our congregants and may be reached at 204-510-9782 or 1bobfreedman@gmail.com.

We commit to provide you with regular updates throughout the campaign and all stages of the renovation.

May this project bring celebration, renewal, hope and many more connections!

Neil Duboff
Renovation Steering Committee Chair
Board of Directors Member
duboff@dehslaw.com

Congregation Shaarey Zedek
561 Wellington Crescent Winnipeg MB R3M 0A6
204-452-3711 F 204-474-1184
hello@szwinnipeg.ca
www.szwinnipeg.ca