Interview with Bruce Vineberg

House Committee

Our beloved Shaar building is almost 100 years old. With its 33 roofs, water infiltration and an aging HVAC system that has exceeded its life expectancy, we must undertake immediate and urgent upgrades and repairs to our synagogue. The House Committee, chaired by Bruce Vineberg, has been working diligently over the past 18 months determining these pressing needs and the priorities.

We sat down with Bruce to get more insight into the studies, the process and the recommendations that are being brought forward.
 

Shaar: Bruce, can you tell us a bit more about the current state of the Shaar building?
 

Bruce: The Shaar is a Heritage Building. As you can imagine, its care and upkeep are extremely important. There is no getting away from it – the building needs major infrastructure repairs which must be done as quickly as possible.
 

Shaar: Who is on the House Committee? What expertise do they bring?
 

Bruce: We are very lucky to have a talented and dedicated group of individuals who have volunteered many many hours of their time. It is important to know that they are volunteering in the areas of their business and professional expertise – they are industry professionals with a combined experience of over 300 years in project management, engineering, architecture, real estate management, design, and development. This great team includes: Bruce Burnett, Michael Esar, Peter Fraenkel, Carl Frymel, Benjamin Kracauer, Chuck Rubin and Moise Saban.

Shaar: In general, what are the major concerns?
 

Bruce: We need to bring the building up to present day standards and regulations. As I mentioned, these repairs are not optional. They demand immediate and significant intervention. The needs are urgent and are necessary to preserve the integrity and sanctity of our very beautiful and very old building.
 

Shaar: The synagogue is where we come to pray, to celebrate, to study and to connect. We talk about the Shaar Family. Can you please tell us a bit about your special relationship with the Shaar?
 

Bruce: The Shaar is more than just a building to me and my family. We have been members of the Shaar for six generations. I attended the Shaar afternoon school, celebrated my Bar Mitzvah here, my wedding, the Bar Mitzvahs of our sons, and all three of our children were married in our sanctuary. This is our spiritual home.
 

Shaar: Thank you Bruce.
 

In the weeks ahead the interview with Bruce continues. We will learn more about the House Committee’s mandate and we will share with you the details of the various projects the Committee is undertaking from replacing the ventilation, air conditioning and controls, to exterior brick work, improvements in lighting, and repairs to the Cote-Sainte-Antoine plaza. These are investments for today and for the next generations of our Shaar family.