Original building is completed in time to hold High Holy Day services in the congregation’s new home. The estimated cost was $350,000; the final cost is $600,000. Soon after, the Temple is formally consecrated over three days, October 23-25. It is dedicated as a House of Prayer, as a House of Learning, and to the Community. When the keys to the building are formally presented, the sanctuary erupts for more than 10 minutes of pandemonium of joy, with singing, hugging and dancing in the aisles. It is the first Jewish Temple in Fairfax County’s history.
Temple membership reaches 275 families.
The congregation joins Project SHARE, an association of 19 McLean congregations with interests in day care and housing among other causes. Temple members will contribute food, clothing, household goods, time and talent for many years to come.
Rodef Shalom participates in daily noontime services to protest Soviet treatment of its Jewish population.
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