Work began August 12, 2011 on an exciting renovation to the synagogue’s Buns and Lehman Memorial Alcove. Through the ingenious design of California artist Jerry Siegel, existing plaques — remembrances of the congregation’s beloved departed — will be reinstalled while space will be created for 500 additional plaques without changing the inherent structure of the alcove.
The new design doubles the congregation’s capacity to visibly remember deceased family members within the calming confines of the memorial alcove. In fact, one wall of the alcove will be empty for the time being, waiting for new dedications.
Siegal has completed all the design and fabrication work at his California studio, so installation is expected to be completed in one week, according to Executive Director Mirza Lopez. Although the alcove will be closed during installation, the week’s Yahrzeit plaques will be temporarily displayed adjacent to the entrance to the sanctuary.
The new design makes more complete use of existing wall space. While the large bronze tablets that have held the individual plaques will be removed, the dedicatory plates for each will be preserved and remounted within the alcove.
The need to increase capacity was the driving force behind the project. During the last several years, “many congregants expressed a desire to dedicate Yahrzeit plaques,” according to Jerry Friedman, Building and Grounds Committee chair, but could not due to a lack of adequate space.
The new configuration provides other advantages besides increased capacity. Plaques can be grouped by families. Lighting of the new memorial lights to signify a yahrzeit date will be computer controlled. The bulbs will be LED, reducing energy consumption, and the new installation design will provide them greater protection than was possible in the past.
