Habitat for Humanity’s Eighth Home Completed

The Jewish community’s eight Habitat for Humanity home was completed in the fall and dedicated on November 15. The Jewish community partnered with Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, and in just eight weeks built a two-story home at 4022 Grand Ave. for Ashley Bethel and her two children.

Jewish community crew leaders were Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport, Aly Goldberg and Cantor David Lipp. Project coordinator Amy Benovitz reported that Jewish Family and Career Services also sponsored a build day, but the house was completed so quickly, that “they didn’t get to hammer.”

“At the dedication,” she added, “Cantor Lipp made everyone cry (again) with his beautiful singing and strumming.”

The financial sponsors, many of whom were also builders, were Madeline and Jerry Abramson, Gay Adelstein, Sonny and Gladys Bass, Mindy and Jacob Blum, Doug Boston, Phil Flarsheim, Daniel Frockt, Stuart and Linda Goldberg,  Glen Goldenberg, Ellen and Richard Goldwin, Sonia Hess, Matthew Karr, Sidney Katz, Judy and Bill Levy, Cantor Lipp and Adath Jeshurun, Julian and Lois Shapero, and Selene Speigel.

Benovitz thanked them all and added special recognition to “my very special anonymous donor: we could not have met our financial sponsorship obligation without you.”

The builders also included Greg Davidoff, Mickey Nathanson, Sonia and Bill Fitzgerald, Julie Namkin, Michael Friedman, Mary Jane and Dan Baker, Adam Gallagher, Phil Flarsheim, Keiley Caster, Evie Topcik, Lou Moseson, and Eugene M.

“Every volunteer made this corner lot a home,” Benovitz concluded. “Thank you.”

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