Tacoma synagogue to build new daycare and preschool

TACOMA – Temple Beth El will soon begin construction of a nearly $1 million early childhood education center. It’s only the second major change to the Jewish temple since its construction nearly a half-century ago.

The Early Learning Center will be open to the entire community, feature classrooms, as well and an enhanced play area. Plans call for the center to open in fall 2015.

“This ambitious project is the culmination of a vision to provide a quality Jewish preschool and daycare open to everyone,” said Sarah Rumbaugh, congregation president. “It will be a unique blend of Jewish and secular values and curriculum – a vibrant and exceptional learning experience.”

A nationwide search has begun for a center director with an expected start date of January 2015. The preferred candidate will have a master’s degree and administrative experience. Additional information is available on the temple’s website, www.templebethel18.org.

“We want to ensure a warm, nurturing environment,” said Bruce Kadden, rabbi at the temple for more than a decade. “It will be rooted in Jewish tradition and provide a variety of program options.”

The remodel of the classroom area will result in an art room, infant room, kitchen, office, washrooms, a workroom, a preschool, and toddler room. Registration is scheduled to begin in March 2015 for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The architect for the project is Marlene Drucker of Gig Harbor.

“Members of the synagogue look forward to the energy and excitement of young children in the halls of Temple Beth El,” Rumbaugh said.

Temple Beth El, a reform synagogue, has a membership of more than 250 families. The history of the synagogue goes back to the 1890s. By the 1960s, the Jewish community’s reform and conservative temples merged under Rabbi Richard Rosenthal, who died in 1999. The building at 5975 S. 12th St., in Tacoma, was built in 1968 with a remodel in 1993.