News
We will be updating the Building Lives website regularly as the project progresses. Be sure to check in frequently for the latest news and updates on the exciting and historic redevelopment of Wilshire Boulevard Temple.Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center Dedicated March 2009
It was a Shabbat we won't soon forget. On Friday, March 6, 2009, we dedicated our new early childhood center in honor of philanthropist Erika Glazer.
The morning began in Meitus Hall as children, parents, and other honored guests arrived early to enjoy bagels, blintzes, coffee and conversation in a pre-Shabbat service breakfast gathering. Next, the group moved to Factor Chapel to hear a warm welcome from Carol Bovill, the Temple's Early Childhood Centers Director. Rabbi Steve Leder followed, introducing Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and representatives from the L.A. City Council who presented Erika with a commendation.
Temple Board President Julie Miller expressed the congregation's deepest gratitude as she presented Erika with a gift of artwork and a photo album created especially for her by the children. To an enthusiastic audience of ECC families, Trustees and staff, as well as her father, Guil Glazer, Erika reminded us all that "the most important part of our heritage is educating our kids." And then it was time to sing.
The happiness of the occasion was clearly evident as Rabbi Leder concluded the Shabbat service and led the group downstairs where Erika hung mezuzot upon the doors of the new classrooms. The mezuzot were specially made at the 90th birthday party of congregant Bernie Harris for this very purpose.
The group moved outside to a beautiful Southern California morning to watch Erika officially open the playground by cutting a royal blue ribbon. With the dedication of the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center complete, it was time to play as dozens of children joyfully took to the slides, swings and climbing structures.
The morning began in Meitus Hall as children, parents, and other honored guests arrived early to enjoy bagels, blintzes, coffee and conversation in a pre-Shabbat service breakfast gathering. Next, the group moved to Factor Chapel to hear a warm welcome from Carol Bovill, the Temple's Early Childhood Centers Director. Rabbi Steve Leder followed, introducing Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and representatives from the L.A. City Council who presented Erika with a commendation.
Temple Board President Julie Miller expressed the congregation's deepest gratitude as she presented Erika with a gift of artwork and a photo album created especially for her by the children. To an enthusiastic audience of ECC families, Trustees and staff, as well as her father, Guil Glazer, Erika reminded us all that "the most important part of our heritage is educating our kids." And then it was time to sing.
The happiness of the occasion was clearly evident as Rabbi Leder concluded the Shabbat service and led the group downstairs where Erika hung mezuzot upon the doors of the new classrooms. The mezuzot were specially made at the 90th birthday party of congregant Bernie Harris for this very purpose.
The group moved outside to a beautiful Southern California morning to watch Erika officially open the playground by cutting a royal blue ribbon. With the dedication of the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center complete, it was time to play as dozens of children joyfully took to the slides, swings and climbing structures.
Posted on 2009-09-23 13:33:05
Above, model of the Temple Campus redevelopment as designed by Levin and Associates Architects.
