Eagle Project - Geniza

Hi, my name is Stephen Strauss, and I am an Eagle Scout Candidate. My Eagle Scout project is to build a geniza at my synagogue.

For those who may not know what a geniza is, it is a repository for sacred texts and ritual items that are no longer used because of age and condition. If they were used in prayer and/or have the name of G-d in them, they cannot be casually discarded - they must be returned to the earth.

This geniza will be on the grounds of the synagogue adjacent to an outdoor classroom and will be used for prayer books and other ritual objects that have been stored at the synagogue for decades. This will also make it easier for the synagogue to retire aging items that require special care. The design accommodates the items that currently need to be interred with consideration for future needs. This project requires excavation, framing, and a granite cap. Landscaping will be added after completion. This geniza will be 270 cubic feet in size when completed. Excess funds after completion will be donated to Congregation Kehilat Shalom.

I intend for this project to serve the community for many years to come.

Thank you for supporting my Eagle project.