TULSA, Okla. — A new chapter is beginning for Tulsa’s Jewish community as leaders break ground on a new temple, blending decades of history with a vision for the future.
After more than 70 years in the same building, congregation leaders said this moment is both emotional and hopeful.
“After being in a building for the past 70 years, there’s quite an attachment to it,” said Jon Stolper, a member of the leadership team spearheading the construction. “But we’re looking more toward the future, not the past, in terms of what this new building can do for us. It’s a day filled with optimism for our entire congregation.”
The groundbreaking marks the start of a $14.5 million project that will replace the original aging structure.
Leaders said the decision came after years of discussion about whether to renovate, relocate or rebuild entirely.
“Today we break down, but more importantly, we build the future, a future built with learning, connection, faith and community,” shared Stolper at Sunday’s groundbreaking. “It’s something that will serve not just us, but generations to come.”
Leaders said the previous building required increasing upkeep and no longer matched the needs of the current congregation.
Congregation member David Weil explained, “The temple had gotten a little bit tired in terms of upkeep and what it took to keep it going.”
Despite the changes, one of the most recognizable features of the original structure will remain: the massive Ten Commandments tablets will be incorporated into the new temple’s design.
“People would drive by and say, ‘we’re so glad you saved the Ten Commandments,'” shared President of the Congregation Brina Reinstein. “Taking them off the building was really quite a feat, an engineering feat, and the community was excited to see they’ll still be here.”
Construction is expected to continue over the next year, with leaders emphasizing the project’s long-term impact on the congregation and the broader Tulsa community.