New Synagogue for Young Israel of Harrison Nears Completion

Steve Schacter, a member of Young Israel of Harrison and one of three people on their building committee, was overseeing chairs and other materials being brought into a new synagogue on 91 Union Avenue last week. He was already preparing for their first religious services to be held this fall.

The major stages of construction on the new 7,000 square foot building have been finished and plans are being made to open before the beginning of this year's high Jewish holidays beginning the Wednesday after Labor Day. 

"After fifteen years of holding our services in a space that was basically a combined kitchen and dining room, we now have a true sanctuary for worship," Schacter said while standing inside the serene light-filled space with soaring ceilings, noticeably pleased with his surroundings. 

Schacter showed off a room leading out to a large stone patio in the back overlooking a pastoral scene of natural woods.

"Only two thirds of this acre lot was used to create the building and almost no trees were removed during construction," he explained. "We were careful to conserve everything we could." 

He then pointed out the air conditioner in the back of the property and mentioned it was carefully chosen for its soft sound.  "Addressing the needs of the local community is very important to us," he said. 

The Young Israel of Harrison is a small family-oriented modern Orthodox synagogue comprised of 35 mostly Harrison-based families. It strives to be a warm, spiritual and supportive environment for all levels of observance and Rabbi Yaakov Bienenfeld has led the group for almost 20 years. Services were first held at the Rabbi's home in Harrison before the group found the property on Union Avenue. 

Once the decision was made to update and expand the house into a more profound place of worship, and the necessary approvals were achieved, fundraising began within the congregation. The intention was to realize the project debt free.

"It was impressive most of this money was raised during a bad economic crisis.  In fact, when we started, all the money still had not been raised.  But we felt if we didn't get started, it would never be built," he said.

This goal was achieved and the new synagogue is on pace to be finished within or before the desired 9-month time frame. Jerricho Construction was hired for the project and they broke ground in December 2009. 

When the building proposal was first submitted there was neighborhood concern over the size of the structure and that parking would extend to side roads. One thing that helped with final approval and the parking issue was the fact members of Young Israel walk to services on Friday and Saturday as part of the rules of their observance.

The building committee for Young Israel worked with the Harrison Building Department and the neighborhood in order to be sensitive to everyone's needs.  

"Without the cooperation of both these parties we could not have gotten so far so fast. Once we received formal approval, the Harrison Building Department was extremely fair and reasonable at every turn," said Schacter.

The new building still has scaffolding up, but it already seems to be blending in with its surroundings. One neighbor even said it is an improvement because it fits into the area, adding that the landscaping and the new rock wall help block the view of the small parking area in the front of the new synagogue.

Schacter, who is a real estate professional and a resident of Harrison for over 20 years, said he is happy with the end result and concluded with: "I'm looking forward to getting back to my day job."