Congregation Kol Ami to Modernize Sanctuary and Campus

Congregation Kol Ami of White Plains, NY, a leading synagogue since 1923, today announced that it has kicked-off the official public launch of its Capital Campaign, “L’Dor Va’Dor” or “Generation to Generation.” The announcement was made by Kol Ami Board of Directors co-presidents Mark Seiden and Ronnie Cohn Farley.

The capital campaign will renovate the sanctuary and improve the campus property. The project will create a newly remodeled and expanded space for prayer, study, social action, celebration and friendship. The sanctuary renovation is scheduled to start this spring and is expected to be completed by the high holidays in September.

“It is vital that we support the campaign because Kol Ami is a place that connects us to the traditions and wisdom of our Jewish heritage. It is a place where we nurture life-long friendships and reconnect to eternal values.” said Mark Seiden, co-president of the synagogue.

The Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Andrea Seiden, provides the campaign’s driving force, guidance and leadership.

“We are so proud that Kol Ami has been a center of Jewish worship and learning in Westchester for generations.” said Andrea Seiden, the campaign chair. “We cannot be more excited, dedicated and committed to raising the remaining funds to complete our campaign and bring the important renovations necessary to continuing our legacy.”

The completion of the project will propel Kol Ami into the future with a completely renovated, bright, modern, and inviting space for Jewish worship that reflects its warm, caring congregation. It will bring more flexibility for greater accommodation of contemporary worship practices and congregant life-cycle events for its over 800 families– seasons of joy, times of loss, social action and special events. It will also better accommodate for members and guests with special needs. Also planned is state-of-the- art music and audio capability. The campaign will also address the needs of landscaping the grounds and parking area so that there is better lighting, drainage and traffic flow.

The firm of Levin/Brown & Associates, Inc. of Owings Mills, Maryland has been retained as architects for the project. Maura Smolover of Arts in Architecture, has been commissioned to design the Torah Ark and the Ner Tamid, the most sacred aspect of the sanctuary space.

As Ronnie Cohn Farley expressed, “We need to revitalize our facility by transforming it into a lively campus – not just because we are one of the largest, most vibrant reform congregations in the area, but also because Kol Ami has been and remains a major resource in sustaining the Jewish people of Westchester County.”

“We feel a strong connection to a life of purpose with Jewish wisdom and values as our guide.” said Kol Ami Rabbi Shira Milgrom. “Kol Ami is the spiritual home we all share; and the successful completion of L’Dor Va’Dor will ensure that our home will shine for generations to come.

For more information about supporting the L’Dor Va’Dor capital campaign, contact Janet Hershey, Director of Membership and Development at Congregation Kol Ami at 914.949-4717 ext 115 or janethershey@nykolami.org. Tax deductible contributions are welcome and may be sent to Congregation Kol Ami, 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY, 10606. Contributions are tax-deductible. www.nykolami.org