Mission

In 2000, Lakewood resident and activist Bernie Goldman became aware of the necessity of preserving this historic building. Through the synergy of Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder and Dr. Thomas J. Slaga, then AMC’s CEO, President and Chief Scientific Director, a nucleus was formed to preserve the synagogue. The subsequent foundation board included Dr. Spivak’s grandson, Dan Spivak, and his wife, Barbara; Dr. Jeanne Abrams, Director of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society and Beck Archives, University of Denver, whose doctoral dissertation detailed the history of JCRS;

Felicia Diamond, great-granddaughter of one of the JCRS’s founders; and others who also brought vision and dedication to the project.

It is the mission of the 501 (c) (3) corporation to raise funds to restore the synagogue to its original condition and to provide an endowment to operate and maintain it as a living history museum and lifecycle News center. The synagogue is structurally sound, but water damage has caused the greatest threat. To bring the building up to code and create a living history museum, it requires new plumbing, heating and electrical systems; removal of asbestos wrap around the original pipes, ceiling and wall repairs, and bathroom and entryway modifications. It will be open to people of all faiths, cultures and nationalities to allow them to gain insight into the lives of the men and women who passed through its doors. Once revitalized, the building will be available for lectures, lifecycle News, and educational programs.

What has been accomplished:

• Formed a not-for-profit corporation in 2001 to oversee restoration of the synagogue and to create a living history museum and lifecycle News center in recognition of JCRS’s rich history.
  
  
• Held an old-fashioned ice cream social and an art show on the old JCRS property, to raise funds to begin the restoration.
  
  
• Had an initial historic assessment of the Isaac Solomon Synagogue and remaining tent structure completed in 2002, with the assistance of the Colorado State Historic Fund.
  
  
• Executed a 99-year lease with the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design that includes the synagogue and the adjacent patient tent.
  
  
• Restored the last surviving tent from the JCRS days; and dedicated it to Judd Family in recognition of Avram Judelovitz, who chaired the first JCRS Agricultural Committee and then the Building Committee. A. Judelovitz located the original 20-acre tract of land which became JCRS; built the early tents and other permanent buildings; and was a member of the Board of Trustees into the 1920's. The tent is now on the Lakewood Historic Register.

Click here for a list of the original Board members

Click here for a list of the current Board members