Agoura temple reaches out to community

EDIFICE- Above, Temple Beth Haverim's new buildings in Agoura Hills are impressive, but they created debt. Right, teachers work with children at the temple's day school. Marty Goldberg is aware of the rumors circulating in the community about the imminent demise of his temple, Beth Haverim. But as vice president of the Agoura Hills synagogue, Goldberg wants people to know that Beth Haverim has a vibrant and fully supportive congregation that is trying hard to retain its location near Ladyface Agoura Road and Ladyface Mountain.

Goldberg acknowledges that the 25-year-old organization is facing financial challenges but says he's inspired by members' latest commitment to seeing the temple continue its existence. In recent weeks, 70 families pledged $1 million to help pay down the temple's existing bonds and reduce its debt.

Goldberg calls it a miracle.

"People have been so generous," he said. "We have a vision and a plan to move forward."

The plan includes raising another $1 million and hiring a chief executive officer to help run the temple and keep it on financial track. It currently relies on volunteers.

Meanwhile, an associate rabbi will be hired to transition into Rabbi Gershon Weissman's place after Weissman retires in five years.

"We are so pleased that so many people have come forth to make it happen," Weissman said. "It's an extraordinary thing."

To bring in new members and help the temple realize its goals, several incentives are being offered, said Dena Feingold, membership vice president. New members will receive a threeyear membership for the price of two, and they will receive tuition-free religious school if they have children in kindergarten through second grade. Reduced rates will apply to new members under 30 and young families, and free adult education classes will be offered.

Communitywide outreach programs will continue, including Shabbat services at local parks, guest lecturers open to the public and free high holiday children's services.

"We want the community to know that we have a longserving professional staff who is providing inreach and outreach programming to the community while being sensitive to the increases in costs of living and raising a family," Feingold said.

Goldberg points to Beth Haverim's full preschool as an example of a community need the synagogue fills. With 90 children enrolled, the school had a waiting list this past year.

Weissman also is leading a congregational trip to Israel in December that several families have expressed interest in.

This is not the first time the temple has overcome hard times.

In 2006, financial challenges and sagging membership threatened to force the synagogue to leave its new Agoura Hills home. But when information about the temple's struggle came to light, both active and inactive members of the congregation responded with strong support.

The problems began after the temple moved from an office park on Canwood Street to its current location off Agoura Road. Unexpected construction-related issues at the new site resulted in financial hardship and helped contribute to a loss of membership.

Temple leaders had counted on the growing membership to help pay the bills.

In recent weeks several congregational meetings were held to present the new plan.

"We are so proud of celebrating our 25th year," Weissman said. "We want to be around not just for 25 but for 50 years, turning silver into gold."