Temple B’nai Israel of White Oak

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Temple Legacy FAQs

What is happening with the Temple building? Is it for sale?

The building was listed for sale in the Spring of 2024 with a commercial real estate agent from Howard Hanna. At this this time, several interested parties have viewed the building.

When is the Temple officially closing?

After the closing weekend (April 25-26,2025) there will be a formal de-sanctification service for Temple members. At that time, the Ner Tamid above the Arks will be extinguished, and mezuzahs will be removed from the doors. Other religious items will be prepared for removal at that time.

What will happen to the Ark and the lecterns in the sanctuary and the stained-glass window boxes and Torah case in the Social Hall?

Temple Shalom a synagogue located in Sterling, Illinois is building a new sanctuary and Jewish Museum in their community. They have agreed to cover cost of removal and transportation for all of the above mentioned items. All items will be removed after our final service sometime in May 2025.

What will happen to all the yahrzeit plaques?

Any family member that would like their loved ones’ yahrzeit plaque(s) may request it. You may call or contact the Temple office at any time to make your request known. Plaques will not be removed from the sanctuary until after the final May 2025 closing ceremony. Dates and times will be posted at a later time that will be able to stop in to pick up your plaque(s).

If you are from out of town, plaques can be mailed to you. There will be a fee to cover the cost of shipping and handling. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

What will happen to yahrzeit plaques that are not taken by family or friends?

All memorial plaques that are not claimed will be buried along with other non-kosher religious items in the Elrod Cemetery.

Please Note: All yahrzeit plaques have been photographed and chronicles and will be available for viewing on the new Temple website.

Tell me more about the new website.

Extensive work has been devoted to creating a new website that will include the following:

  1. All yahrzeit plaques have been photographed and chronicled
  2. Ability to access yahrzeit dates
  3. Photographs and information of all headstones at Elrod Cemetery
  4. Photographs and information of all Endowment Trees
  5. Photographs and information of all Confirmation classes
  6. History of Temple B’nai Israel – including Presidents and Rabbis
  7. Gallery of pictures from Temple events

Our new website will be live for a period of 5 years. After that time, information will be shared and available on a variety of search engines including JewishGen.org (a website devoted to Jewish genealogy). Information will also be shared with the Rauh Jewish Archives at the John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

More information on the new TBI website will be shared with you soon.

What are the plans for the Temple’s Elrod Cemetery?

After due research and meetings, we have determined that the Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh (JCBA) is the organization that should assume custody and ownership of our cemetery for management and preservation in perpetuity.  Currently, JCBA manages and maintains more than 40 Jewish cemeteries in Western Pennsylvania. Many of these cemeteries were established by congregations that no longer function. We have personally witnessed how well these cemeteries are maintained.

The funds to manage, maintain, and preserve these cemeteries is invested in trust by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, using accredited financial managers. We were advised that in order to secure the best possible financial arrangement with the JCBA, we need to deposit a minimum of $300,000 with the Jewish Federation. This evaluation by JCBA was based upon the size of our cemetery and the current cost of maintenance. Considering the amount of money needed to fund normal Temple operations until next May, we will fall short of the required $300,000 minimum by approximately $120,000.

Those individuals who have purchased cemetery deeds, will need to contact the JCBA directly at 412-553-6469 to make necessary arrangements for funerals and burials.

What will happen to all of the artifacts and art at the Temple?

Many items have already been donated or have been designated to be donated to the Rauh Jewish Archives and the McKeesport Reginal History and Heritage Center.

Artwork and artifacts that have previously been donated by individuals or families will have the first opportunity to claim/request that item. Most items have already been identified, however if you have questions or wish to identify an item, please contact the Temple office to discuss this matter.

During the Final Weekend, many pieces of artwork and Judaica will be made available for sale. Items will be identified, and a minimum opening bid will be posted to each item. During the Saturday evening event many of the items will be brought to Stratigos Banquet Centre for viewing and bidding. Items will be awarded that night. Temple will accept checks or credit cards for payment.

If possible, individuals will be encouraged to claim and leave with their artwork that night. Packing and shipping of items are the responsibility of each person. Religious items, such as mezuzahs, will not be removed from the placement in the Temple until our final religious service in May.