Between scattered light rains that seemed to pause on cue, the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue (MJC&S) held a groundbreaking celebration for their new synagogue on Nov. 4, which will be completed by High Holy Days, 2004.
The Reconstructionist congregation came together to share food, music and festivities, and mark the realization of their collective vision.
In the words of George Greenberg, president of MJC&S, “Today, it is no longer a question of when.”
The $4.5 million raised toward building the new synagogue will also fund a facility for special events and celebrations and a new recreational facility.
Over the past two decades, MJC&S has grown to include an award-winning pre-school, kindergarten and religious school. Programs include adult education, Torah study, bar and bat mitzvahs, social action and community outreach.
“The groundbreaking and building of our new synagogue will be a place to advance Jewish life and education,” said Rabbi Judith HaLevy, “and serve as an important resource for Malibu and beyond.” Echoing HaLevy’s message was former Rabbi Benjamin Herson’s call for Judaism to reach out toward universality.
The 5-acre site where the new synagogue will be built has been home to the congregation of more than 200 families and individuals. Charles Zlatkoff and his wife, Alice, recalled the congregation’s beginnings, when the founding families met in each other’s homes on Friday nights. When they outgrew that arrangement, the congregation met at Webster Elementary School.
After several years, they began to look for land on which to build a synagogue.
During those years at Webster, “Alice cooked dinner for 75 people for the second night of Passover,” said Zlatkoff. “It was her way to keep tradition and our group going.”
Once the land had been purchased, modular units were set up to serve the congregation’s activities until its members build the new, permanent synagogue.
Many community leaders took part in the ceremonies, including Mayor Joan House, Andrew Benton, president of Pepperdine University, Monsignor John Sheridan of Our Lady of Malibu, Rev. Susan Klein of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church and Councilmember Sharon Barovsky.
Seeking an appropriate blessing for the groundbreaking, HaLevy prayed, “Who blesses the builders . . . we ask that our next moves be blessed.”