NERC marks important milestones

Sunday, Feb. 18, marked an important milestone at the New England Rabbinical College (NERC) in Providence. NERC celebrated its 33rd anniversary with its annual dinner celebration at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center. This was also the celebration of the near completion of a building renovation project, the first to its facility since it was purchased in the 1970s.

At last year’s dinner, plans were presented. In just a year, with an outpouring of support from the community, alumni and friends, the budget for the project was raised, plans were approved, permits were issued and the job was completed. The companies involved in the project were Cordtsen Design Architecture, Camera/O’Neill Consulting Engineers and Capital Building and Design.

The scope of the project included the expansion and renovation of the main study hall, which involved complex structural engineering work to support the 100-year-old brick building. In addition, an apartment in the building was reconfigured into a library, classrooms, offices and an ADA bathroom. An accessibility ramp was installed as well.

To celebrate the occasion, NERC invited out-of-town and local alumni to join for a day of learning followed by the dinner. More than 60 people attended the daytime program, including students, alumni, parents and faculty. The energy and enthusiasm was palpable. Following the Mincha prayer service, dancing erupted in the main study hall. The crowd was awed by the pace and the scope of the project.

In the evening, the dinner was attended by 180 people, including more than 40 from out-of-state. Rabbi Yosef and Mrs. Ruchama Szendro, longtime Providence residents, were honored as the Pillars of Torah. The ambiance in the Social Hall was lovely, and everyone said they truly enjoyed the event.

Submitted by the New England Rabbinical College.