Countywide : Groundbreaking Set for Tustin Synagogue
For the first time in a decade, a new synagogue will be built in Orange County, an indicator of the rapid growth in the county’s Jewish population.
The $3.2-million synagogue will also be the first house of worship in the Tustin Ranch development, said Congregation B’Nai Israel’s Rabbi Elie Spitz. Members of B’Nai Israel will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday to begin construction of the new Temple Sharon. The site is near the intersection of Bryan and Browning avenues.
“We’re part of this larger phenomenon where the Orange County Jewish community is becoming more established through the purchase of its own facilities,” said Spitz, whose congregation now holds services in a rented warehouse.
Temple officials said Congregation B’Nai Israel has been “bursting at the seams” since its merger last summer with Temple Sharon of Costa Mesa. The new 25,000-square-foot sanctuary will provide much needed additional space.
Since beginning fund-raising efforts six months ago, the temple has received about $2 million in pledges toward construction, Spitz said.
“I am very pleased by the level of commitment,” he said. “It’s all coming together better than we expected.”
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