After years of planning and dreaming, construction of the new Hillel House took a giant step forward Sunday at gala ground-breaking ceremonies in the back yard of the facility at 328 A St. in Davis. Demolition of the aging bungalow was scheduled to start today.

It will be replaced with a 9,300-square-foot facility that will provide meeting and programming space, a synagogue, offices and the only commercial kosher kitchen in Yolo County.

“The new building will be a shining jewel in our community,” said Raphael Moore, chairman of the Hillel capital project.

“Most important,” Moore said, “this will be the home away from home for thousands of college students studying in the Davis and Sacramento area for years to come.”

Harrison Construction of Davis has been awarded the construction contract, and the project is expected to be completed by next April. The project will employ many local subcontractors and vendors, who have donated or deeply discounted their rates to make the project a success, Moore said.

Many members of the Davis and Sacramento community have likewise donated to the project, to ensure its full completion.

“We have just launched our brick campaign to raise the final dollars needed to completely furnish and equip the building, pay off our mortgage and build our endowment,” Moore said. The bricks will be placed outside the entrance doors and in the front courtyard of the new Hillel House.

For more information about the Hillel House project, email Moore at [email protected] or call (530) 758-8317.

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The Davis Klezmer Orchestra performs prior to groundbreaking ceremonies Sunday at Hillel House. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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Hillel House executive director Chani Oppenheim speaks during Sunday’s ceremonies. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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Rabbi Herb Tobin, left, offers to purchase a brick as Anne Eisenberg, at the podium, solicits donations during Sunday’s ground-breaking ceremony. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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Joseph Pidott stands with Anne Eisenberg at the podium during Sunday’s ceremony. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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Hillel House leaders and supporters dig in with their golden shovels during ground-breaking ceremonies Sunday for the new facility on A Street. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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From left, Eliana Oppenheim, 6; Eliana Moore, 7; and her sister Mayah, 5; get into the act during ground-breaking ceremonies Sunday for Hillel House. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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Raphael Moore and Anne Eisenberg celebrate at Sunday’s ground-breaking ceremonies. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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A miniature replica of the proposed Hillel House is displayed Sunday. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

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