The first delivery of structural steel has arrived!
Now the construction crew will assemble the beams like an erector set, fastening and tightening the bolts, and eventually welding them into place. By the end of the week we should be able to see significant progress in the framework of our building.
This Sunday, we are having a congregation-wide “beam signing.” JRC members have been invited to write their names, messages, blessings, etc. on one of the steel beams before it is installed for posterity. True to form we never pass up an opportunity to gather together for ritual purposes…
Shalom Rav 
no beam-ah joke? 😉
Our daughter Ginny, a freshman at UofI in Urbana (who grew up at JRC, from preschool at age 3, thru her Bat Mitzvah celebration, and working at JRC’s summer camp and religious school), was so excited by the idea of the beam signing event, that she’s coming home this weekend! So, thanks from the Landts for a great reason to get together with our own little family, and with our JRC family!
Fran
I’m so pleased to see that additional comments are to be encouraged. I’ve been trying to think of a way that I can put Joe’s name on a beam, because I know he’d be tickled at the progress we’re making.
The opportunity to sign a beam strikes me as a wonderful way to express that the sense of community at JRC is what holds the congregation together.