From Generation to Generation: A Rededication Story from Youngstown, Ohio
From Generation to Generation: A Rededication Story from Youngstown, Ohio
Sarah B. Wilschek, Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom Executive Director
“Take for Me an offering…from every person whose heart moves them, and let them build Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
—Exodus 25:2
These ancient words served as both anchor and aspiration as our congregation embarked on an ambitious journey: to reimagine and rededicate our synagogue space at 1119 Elm Street in Youngstown, Ohio—not merely as a building, but as a sanctuary of belonging, accessibility, beauty, and continuity. It began with a vision shared by our board of trustees and co-chairs, Booker Kessler and Jason Bostocky, alongside a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers. In 2023, our leadership team started exploring how to make our sacred space more inclusive, accessible, and dignified for all who enter—whether for a moment of prayer, a lifecycle event, or a community gathering.
But then came October 7.
In the wake of that horrific day, we paused our plans. Our hearts turned immediately toward supporting our extended Jewish family in Israel. It was only in early 2024 that we restarted conversations about our local sanctuary—with a renewed understanding of just how essential strong, rooted Jewish communities are.
We partnered with a former Youngstown architect, who brought our dreams to life with renderings that included an ADA-accessible covered entrance, reimagined lobbies, and an elevator large enough to accommodate every sacred occasion—including funerals. With feasibility confirmed by Strollo Architects, we launched our campaign at our 2024 Annual Meeting. Our goal: $2 million and 100 percent participation. A daunting goal—but one that matched the size of our commitment to the future.
The response? Incredible.
From groundbreaking construction led by Murphy Construction and finishing work from Integra Construction, to details like custom wallpaper, elegant cabinetry, digital donor displays, and even a commissioned sculpture of our menorah logo by artist Tony Armeni—our congregation came alive with transformation. The final result: a renewed spiritual home that honors our legacy while building for tomorrow.
The beauty is in the details. From the Roth Atrium’s soft seating designed by Megan Vickers and Soft Touch Furniture to the ADA lectern in our historic sanctuary crafted by AJ Silver, every choice reflects kavod—respect—and intention. Even the education hallway now echoes with playfulness and care, thanks to newly painted walls and joyful children’s wallpaper.
This transformation wasn’t just physical. It was spiritual and communal. Donor recognition now lives throughout the building—not just on plaques, but in digital displays and archival exhibits that highlight the stories of our legacy congregations: Temple Beth Israel, Hadar Israel, Ohev
Tzedek, and Rodef Sholom. With the help of Carney Plastics, our lobby now serves as a living history space—a place where past, present, and future converge.
Such a massive effort could not have succeeded without an extraordinary cast of leaders and supporters: Executive Director Sarah Wilschek, and Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Courtney Berman; committee members; administrative staff; designers; volunteers; and generous donors who each brought gratitude to every individual whose hands helped shape this project—from project managers and construction experts to kitchen renovators and interior designers. We know we have not named every name. And yet, their fingerprints are everywhere— in the buffed floors, in the newly accessible entrance, in the way our sanctuary now welcomes every age and stage of life with dignity.
The rededication of our building was also a rededication of our mission: to be a vibrant center of ritual Jewish life in Youngstown. To be a home for the generations who came before us, and those still to come.
As we now gather in this sacred space—accessible, inclusive, beautiful—we are reminded that it was not only built with wood, stone, and steel, but with love, generosity, and the kind of hope that only community can provide.
Our menorah sculpture outside the building is not just art. It’s a statement. Soon to be joined by the words: “Ohev Beth Sholom: From Generation to Generation,” it reflects our enduring truth—that Jewish continuity is not passive. It is built, brick by brick, gift by gift, heart by heart.