Questions & Answers

Ohr HaTorah has put an offer on a building, one that is easily reached from the Venice Blvd. exit off the 405 Freeway. The building is currently a synagogue, formerly owned by the Beth Torah congregation. The congregation merged with another and now the facility is available to us.

[ Please click here to view the exact location of the structure. ]

Our leadership feels this purchase is a vital one for Ohr HaTorah at this time. The structure is located in a neighborhood approximately 10 minutes (4 miles south) of our current meeting place. The facility is centrally located in an area with an established and resurgent young family and Jewish population. Many of our congregants and prospective members have inquired about the details of this purchase; here are answers to many of those questions:

Why don't we rent another church or facility?
Our search for a new home for Ohr HaTorah has been extensive and every option has been considered. There are two facilities that are in a position to rent space to our congregation. However, neither facility is large enough to accommodate our current level of attendance.

If Ohr HaTorah were to rent one of the available facilities, our congregation would face losing approximately 30% of our current seating capacity by moving forward with the first option, renting a local church. The second option would be to rent a local event hall. In doing so, we would lose our children's program as it is not a viable place for a school program.

Why are we pursuing the purchase of a facility at this point?
We think our current lease not being renewed has created a unique opportunity for Ohr HaTorah. The building committee has identified this to be the right facility. It is not only available for immediate purchase and suits our needs, but gives us the permanence and capacity for the congregational growth we have always desired. It comes at a time which works to our financial advantage, and we would not have to undergo the tremendous costs of building a new structure. The terms of the deal are such that this acquisition is affordable.

The layout offers the areas needed for our programming, including a main sanctuary, several classrooms, offices, a professional kitchen, a library, a dining room and an outdoor patio area adjacent to the dining hall.

The timing is perfect and we must act now.

Who is part of the decision making process?
The building committee leaders are congregants David Mamet and Arny Porath (real restate investor and manager). Assisting in the process are real estate attorney and land use consultant James Ries and Sandra Kanengiser who is a partner at the law firm Irell & Manella.

What needs to be done to "make it our own?"
The rooms and surrounding space do need a comprehensive face lift (i.e.: interior renovations and design, outside landscaping work, etc). We are working with professionals within the community who are volunteering their time and effort to help with the transformation of the outdoor and indoor space. Before the facelift process begins, our capital campaign must be fully underway. With a professional fund-raiser with extensive experience in securing idividual, foundation and public support and the significant resources of our congregation, we are confident we have a solid plan.

What about parking?
Parking is never easy. As you know, our current facility does not have its own parking facilities, something that poses a challenge for every organization and business in every large city.

We are not spared this circumstance in the new building. We have investigated this and are confident that even during busy times, street parking will accommodate our needs. We have been lucky during the past several years to have temple members (Craig and Lisa Cooper) who have graciously provided parking for us in a nearby building. Rest assured, we are continuing to explore possibilities for similar partnerships and/or the option of renting nearby lots to augment our parking.

There are a few limited spaces which will be available for deliveries, those in need of handicapped parking or as in years past, individuals who obtained the space as "added value" through principal fundraising support.

Who would own the building?
The Ohr HaTorah congregation would hold the title for as long as Ohr HaTorah exists as an organization. Should the building ever be sold, proceeds would be required to be transferred to another nonprofit entity – such as in the way the building has become available to us now.

What about the issue of succession? What happens when Rabbi Finley retires?
The issue of succession is one of the driving motivations for securing a facility. With a building, engaging a successor to Rabbi Finley would be challenging enough due to his caliber and stature. Without a permanent home it would be impossible.

What is the plan for the next six months?
Over the next few months we are consolidating all of our business operations to reduce expenses and prepare for a comprehensive move of our inventory, office equipment, furniture and supplies. This will be as streamlined and frugal a process as possible. We are seeking bids for renovations, painting, flooring and needed furniture (including seating) to prepare for our move into the newly acquired space. Our targeted date to be fully ready and operational is September 20.

Are there going to be naming possibilities?
Yes! There will be many traditional and creative naming opportunities. A menu of giving is currently available and posted on our website.

Can I see the facility?
Let us know if you're interested in seeing the facility. We will make all the efforts to include as many interested members as possible with the limited access we have to the facility. Renderings and sketches including a model will be presented at our special gatherings as part of our campaign.

I have a general question not answered here!
Please send additional questions to Arny@ohrhatorah.org.

What role do I play?
To purchase the building, renovate it and conduct the move we will need substantial funds and donations of various kinds of services, equipment and supplies.Please contact Arny Porath regarding your donation to the building fund and call the office with any available resources you may have.

Thank you!