Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center update

By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director

As we enter into a new year, we wanted to share with you our progress and updates regarding the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

We had a fabulous Groundbreaking on Nov. 19, 2021, which kicked off the road improvements that were requested by Collier County on Pine Ridge Road. There is a deceleration lane, a new entrance/exit and a left turn lane. The original entrance/exit is still viable, but motorists cannot turn left out of Temple Shalom anymore.

Those improvements took about a month to complete while the clearing of the lot took place. As of the writing of this update, the footers have been dug and the building is going vertical. If you have the chance, take a ride by the site and marvel at what we have all accomplished!

Once we got the okay from Collier County on all our permits and drawings, our next task was going to the bank to get a construction loan, which will become a mortgage once the building is completed. We were fortunate enough to receive a good interest rate but, as with any loan, the interest payments really add up.

We are at $12.6 million towards our goal of $15 million. We have started selling engraved pavers and we still have naming opportunities available, starting at $5,000. This is going to be an exciting year for all of us and we can’t wait to share it with all of you!