First Congregation Sons of Israel to reopen sanctuary in St. Augustine

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After 22 months of recovery from hurricanes Matthew and Irma, the historic St. Augustine synagogue, First Congregation Sons of Israel, is reopening its sanctuary.

The community is invited to join the synagogue for its "Restoring Our Past, Building Our Future" Reopening Celebration and Historic Sanctuary Open House taking place Aug. 24-26 at 161 Cordova Street. The event schedule is as follows:

·       Friday, Aug. 24

o   4 p.m. | Ribbon-cutting

o   5 to 6 p.m. | Wine and cheese and tours

o   7:30 p.m. | Erev Shabbat service, Rabbi Joel Fox

·        Saturday, Aug. 25

o   10 a.m. | Shabbat service, Rabbi Joel Fox

o   6 to 8 p.m. | Food, drink and silent auction

o   8 to 10 p.m. | Historic overview, welcome and music

·       Sunday, Aug. 26

o   12 to 3 p.m. | Tours of historic sanctuary

Restoration and repairs have been financed with assistance from the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, the Northeast Florida United Way and the generosity of many members and friends of the congregation, along with disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The roof and ceiling have been repaired and replaced; original wood floors are being restored; a replica of the original front doors will be installed; and all the vintage seating have been restored, reupholstered and will be reinstalled with other repairs and restoration efforts.