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Community Corner

Congregation Nusach Hari B'nai Zion to Move West; Leaving University City

A Synagogue for Olivette: A First for the Ages Aug. 28

Nusach Hari B’nai Zion (NHBZ) will make history when it opens its doors as the first synagogue in Olivette. Residents who have been curious about the construction activity on the property north of Logos School will have a chance to see the new facility on Aug. 28.

“It’s the first time in over 5,700 years that a synagogue has been in Olivette,” NHBZ Rabbi Ze’ev Smason said, joking. 

History and growth

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NHBZ may be new to Olivette, but it’s not new to the St. Louis metro area. It was formed 106 years ago. The , off Olive Boulevard and just east of Interstate 170, since 1955.

Smason said the changing demographics of the NHBZ congregation drove the decision to move.

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”In real estate, it’s location, location, location. So when the demographics change, you need to change location,” Smason said. “At the time, in 1955, where we were was a great location. But we needed to move not just to survive but to thrive.”

NHBZ is a Modern Orthodox congregation, which means many members refrain from driving on Sabbath and other holidays. That means the synagogue needs to be in walking distance for the majority of its members.

“We wanted to acquire property that was in a vibrant residential neighborhood where our members lived and where we could have the potential to grow,” Smason said. “We see ourselves as a congregation not just for our current members but as a resource for Olivette and the rest of the community.”

Plan with purpose

Smason said part of the decision to move had to do with the congregation’s purpose.

”What can we do to make the biggest impact and contribution not just for our own membership but also for the community in which we live?”

The NHBZ leader said part of the synagogue’s mission is outreach to the Jewish community.

“Regardless of their level of knowledge, regardless of their level of observance or Jewish knowledge,” Smason said. “They can find a comfortable home in our synagogue.”

Going green

The synagogue’s design incorporates energy-efficient features.

“We have 65 solar panels on the roof, which will produce annually 15 kilowatts,” said Bob Kaiser, the congregation president.

Geothermal wells allow the building to maintain a comfortable temperature and save resources. 

“Typically, an HVAC system accounts for 65 to 70 percent of energy usage,” Kaiser said. “Our system will use 10 kilowatts in a year. We’re on the cusp of being entirely self-sufficient in terms of energy use.”

The facility is built into a hill so the ground floor acts like a well-insulated walkout basement. Kaiser said NHBZ designed the building and planned programs to maximize the eco-friendly features.

“During the weekdays, all activities will take place on bottom floor: the administrative offices, the chapel for daily services, the kids’ playroom and the teen lounge all on the lower level,” Kaiser said. “During the weekends when we need more space, everything will be on the second level: the sanctuary, social hall and kitchens.”

Other energy-efficient features include a lot of natural light, toilets with different flush levels, and efficient fluorescent lighting.

“We met with a lighting expert from AmerenUE who gave us guidance on creating a light-efficient building,” Kaiser said.

 “A match made in heaven”

The congregation had been talking about a new synagogue for 10 years. Smason said the proverbial handwriting was on the wall, and the congregation just had to translate a vision into a plan.

“We approached the school and it seemed like a great partnership. (Logos School) needed additional resources for their programming, and they had this land that was just sitting there," he said. "They didn’t want to sell to just anyone. They wanted a nonprofit organization that was compatible with the nature of what they stand for. It was a match made in heaven.”

For its part, Kaiser said the congregation was seeking an inviting community for its new home.

“In order for us to be viable, we needed to have a full panoply of amenities: nice housing close by, good school district, ability to walk to the synagogue and the sense of a community, like having a Starbucks down the street,” he said.

An asset to Olivette

Kaiser said that people generally recognize houses of worship as anchors in a community.

“They bring people together, act as a stabilizing force, raise standards and property values,” he said. “When we were going through this process, coincidentally, the city had commissioned a study on what Olivette needed, and the report said it needed a house of worship.”

Both Smason and Kaiser said members have already moved into Olivette in anticipation of the synagogue’s new location. 

The big day

The NHBZ ribbon cutting takes place on Aug. 28. Members of the congregation will take the 13 Torahs from the University City site and walk them in a procession to the new synagogue in Olivette.

Ceremonies at the new building will start at 11 a.m. The program includes placing the Torahs in their new home, remarks from speakers, tours and light refreshments.

The building will reopen at 5 p.m. for the congregation's monthly Lion's Den Pizza Dine-In Night, which is open to the entire community. The all-you-can-eat buffet consists of pasta, pizza, garlic bread and salad. Adults pay $10, kids 4-10 pay $6, and ages 3 and younger are free.

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