Celebrating the future

Ella Krieger, William Krieger, Marina Goodman, David Goodman, Jeremy Goodman and Manocher Norparvar /ELIANNA BRESLER

On Dec. 13, the Sunday of Hanukkah, Congregation Beth Sholom (CBS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new handicap-accessible entrance to the building’s lower level – the site for weekly prayer, classes, social and cultural activities, and volunteer opportunities. This was followed by a Hanukkah party held jointly with New England Yachad / National Jewish Council for Disabilities, an organization that serves individuals with disabilities and special needs of all ages providing inclusive social and recreational programs.

“Now we can attend all functions as a family,” said Marina Goodman, mother of David who is wheelchair-bound, “before this, my husband and I had to either split up and take turns, or not go.”

“It’s so much easier not having to carry large vats of soup up and down the stairs,” said Ruthie Kerzer, a volunteer with Judy’s Kindness Kitchen, which uses the lower level of CBS weekly to prepare food for the homeless.

It took a year to raise the $25,000 necessary for the project, and three weeks to build a new side entrance. Funding was made possible by family, friends, the community of greater Providence, and the John D. and Katherine A. Johnston Foundation, Bank of America, N. A., Trustee. Some funds were raised through Jewish community crowdfunding site, JBoost.org.