Olivette Welcomes Its First Synagogue

Members of the Nusach Hari B'nai Zion (NHBZ) congregation gathered at 650 N. Price Rd. on Sunday morning for their Chanukat HaBayit ("Dedication of Our Home").

Around 11 a.m., some NHBZ members arrived at the new synagogue carrying the 13 Torahs from the former synagogue, at .

Once everyone found their seats inside the new building, Alan Zarkowsky, a trustee on the NHBZ board of directors, served as the master of ceremonies.

"Welcome to the new home of Nusach Hari B'nai Zion," Zarkowsky said. "We thank you all for being here. Being here today is the result of many years of hard work ... starting 13 years ago when we first looked at the property."

After going on to thank various people for their work in bringing the synagogue to Olivette, Zarkowsky introduced Robert Kaiser, president of the NHBZ congregation.

"It's not one person," Kaiser said of the number of people it took to bring the new synagogue to fruition. "It's a significant and large number of people, and each of you deserve a round of applause."

Kaiser went on to thank the people at FiCon Construction for all of their hard work.

"We have built a beautiful synagogue," he said to the crowd. "It's what we do with this building that will define us. We need to be a beacon to the community."

Olivette Mayor Jean Antoine was also on hand to welcome the congregation in a speech that focused on community.

"You've chosen to build your temple in Olivette, a city that thrives on community," Antoine said. "Welcome to the community of Olivette. Stay and help us grow our community."

After the mayor's remarks, Barry Rosenberg, executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, spoke to the congregation.

"Thank you for the honor of being with you and celebrating this Chanukat HaBayit," Rosenberg said. "This is truly a great day - not only for you, but the entire Jewish community. ... Congratulations, and our sincere best wishes for a continued success and wonderful future."

Finally, NHBZ Rabbi Ze'ev Smason addressed his congregation.

"We thank the almighty for allowing us to be alive and celebrate this joyous occasion," Smason said. "The real work stars now... what we do now is so important."

After the dedication ceremony, attendees were treated to light refreshments and invited to explore the rest of the facility. There are a few final touches to add to the synagogue, including landscaping, touch-up paint and the installation of the stained-glass windows from the previous synagogue.

You can read more about the synagogue and the congregation in a previous Patch .