Completed early, under budget and providing services beyond obligations. All factors that contributed to Bostleman winning the Build Ohio award this year for the B’nai Israel Synagogue project. One of multiple entries in this year’s contest sponsored by The Associated General Contractors of Ohio (AGC), the project won in the New Construction Under $10 Million category.

“Congregation B’nai Israel, along with the design team headed by Abraham Musher-Eizenman, deserves the credit for this project,” said Bostleman President Bill Bostleman. “The artistry found in this facility is exceptional and the building is absolutely stunning. The project was a true collaboration and Bostleman appreciated the opportunity to participate.”

Bostleman served as general contractor on the $4.1 Million project in Sylvania, Ohio executing several innovative project elements that include:

• Eternal Light – the eternal light from the original 1881 synagogue was retrofitted from an electrical light to a real flame. This change is believed to be a first in Ohio.
• Hearing loop technology – wiring in the floors transmits sound waves from the sound system to an individual’s hearing aid. Synagogue members with hearing aids can now hear services in the chapel and sanctuary and events in the social hall clearly.
  
  
• Yarzeit (Memorial) Display – The congregation wanted a better solution to its memorial light bulb display for the anniversary of death (Yarzeit). A member developed a computer program that works with the synagogue’s database to easily create the memorial. Software makes color adjustment simple to coordinate with different ceremonial needs and the entire memorial is displayed on an LCD screen. Plans are in place to update the program, giving members access to information via the touch screen.
  
  
• Stain Glass Windows – Positioned on the northern wall of the sanctuary, the window designs include symbols from the Jewish holidays. Other windows display the Ten Commandments and the Jerusalem skyline.
  
  
• Flexible space – Modular walls allow the congregation to adjust the room sizes to fit specific needs. For example, the library can be reconfigured for classrooms and/or additional seating space in the sanctuary, expanding seating from 200 to 600.