Temple gets financial reprieve

Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills announced last week that it will remain at its current site on scenic Ladyface Court.

Financial challenges threatened to force the congregation to find a new home, but temple members have rallied together to raise more than $450,000, more than enough to pay the bills to keep the congregation in place through August 2007.

"This gives us 18 months of being able to increase our membership, improve our programming and get more people involved to ensure our success," said Temple President Dave Scherr.

Since February, when the problems were made public, the congregation has responded with tremendous support, both financially and emotionally, according to Scherr. Informational meetings were held, special events planned and new ideas implemented with the goal of strengthening the temple. Several hundred people have attended Friday night dinners and services the past couple of weeks and many are participating on committees planning activities and discussing ways to improve the temple.

"I am on an absolute high from all the new energy taking place at our synagogue," said temple member Diana Turk of Agoura Hills, who is helping organize some of the upcoming events. "I want my kids to enjoy being active in a synagogue so I will do whatever I can to make the temple the place we all want it to be."

Several former members have rejoined and new members have come in, Scherr said. The temple's goals now include increasing membership, providing the programming that the congregation wants, and revitalizing the capital campaign to complete construction.

"We can't lose this momentum," Scherr said. "What makes a temple successful is not only its clergy but the programming and the involvement of its membership as well."

Beth Haverim is inviting the community to its site Sun., April 2, from noon to 5 p.m. for a free celebration featuring four live bands, a moon bounce, arts and crafts, a book fair and refreshments. The event is billed as "Welcome Home, Welcome Back."

"Welcome home to all of our wonderful members and our community and the welcome back is to those we miss and want back home," said Don Stark, a member and event organizer.

Temple Beth Haverim offers a full range of services including preschool, Hebrew school, adult education, youth groups, bar and bat mitzvah training, senior groups, Sabbath and holiday services, family clubs and social action and Israel committees. Among the new activities planned are Friday night dinners, a parent/ child sock hop, film festival, hiking and running clubs, and a Monte Carlo night. A Friday night Shabbat in the round service will be reprised April 28.

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