Memorializing Ben Levy, whose widow was generous to Mishkon (Condition Report)

A LACONIC PLAQUE on the north wall of our bimah states that our congregation will say Kaddish eternally for Ben Levy on his yohrtsayt, the 16th of Tevet. Indeed, we did so on the Shabbat immediately preceding the 100th anniversary of his death, just a few weeks ago.

Over the years, the synagogue has gone to some lengths to keep Mr. Levy’s name alive—apparently to accord with promises that were made to his widow.

Below the jump, this post documents five signs about Ben Levy that have been posted at Mishkon through the years. In addition, his impressive and informative tombstone is discussed.…

Design criteria for the security/shade covering for play yard (Activity Report) [rev. 2/23]

IN COLLABORATION WITH our director of operations and our preschool director, Violet (the project champion) is developing a list of design criteria for the security/shade covering for our play yard that will be installed later this year. The idea is that all vendor bids must meet these criteria, in order to enable a fair comparison among them.

slide-on-wire retractable awning

Below the jump, I spell out that list of criteria (subject to revision upon further discussion), for the sake of review and refinement by all stakeholders, to make sure that we are all on the same proverbial page. I also append a list of my own current questions.

Water intrusion: status update (Condition Report)

ABOUT 6 HOURS after the rain stopped, I poked around to see how the synagogue fared. (Exactly 0.86” of rain had been measured nearby as falling within a 54-hour period—the most intensive storm so far this season.)

This spot registered as wet (red alarm condition).

Below the jump, this post briefly records the water-intrusion problems that still remain in 8 out of the 10 areas that I checked.…

Improving entry accessibility to sanctuary: Main Street side (Draft Proposal)

STAIRS POSE A CHALLENGE to many of our members and visitors. One option to increase accessibility is to install a stairlift. The prime location for a stairlift is in the front stairwell of the sanctuary building, between the street-level doors to Main Street and the lobby level. 

Below the jump, this post discusses a stairlift for that section of stairs, based upon my meeting with one vendor (for orientation).…

What happened to the stairwell lift that we used to have? (Condition Report)

LAST YEAR, Fleming arranged to have our non-working stairwell lift removed and scrapped. Which raises the question as to what exactly had once been there, and what went wrong. 

Below the jump, I report on what I have recently learned from modest exploration and inquiry.… 

Would the planned alterations meet Code for accessibility? (Speculation)

THE STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE provides alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities. The section for accessibility can be found HERE. 

Our historic sanctuary building does qualify for the allowances under this code, according to our 2003 Historic Structure Report. And now that we are contemplating genuine alterations—not merely repairs or rehabilitation—it seems timely to explore what the applicable accessibility standards are. 

Below the jump, this post explores three aspects of the accessibility standards and how they would apply in our situation.…

Improving entry accessibility to sanctuary: Hampton Drive side (Draft Proposal)

THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR is the only entrance to (and exit from) our historic sanctuary that works for someone in a wheelchair. Yet that success is mixed: It relies upon employing portable aluminum ramps that are placed at a steep (and thus rather unsafe) angle. And making it work requires careful attention from at least a couple of people at a time.

Surely we can do better than this! Therefore I am planning to propose to the board that we engage an architect to design a solution for us.

Below the jump, this post lists the criteria for a proposed project to improve the level of accessibility through this corridor. It also touches on the role of an architect in this project’s success.