Cemetery Renovation &
Expansion Capital Campaign
Honoring Our Past. Securing Our Future.
Congregation Beth El Memorial Park, located on Austin Highway, was consecrated in 1955 and has long been a sacred place of remembrance and reflection for our community. As Temple Beth-El continues to grow and evolve, so too must the spaces entrusted to our care.
The Cemetery Renovation & Expansion Capital Campaign is the result of years of careful study, planning, and communal conversation—rooted in Jewish values of dignity, stewardship, and respect for those who came before us.
Project History & Planning
Congregation Beth-El Memorial Park, consecrated in 1955, has served generations of our community as sacred ground for memory, dignity, and connection. After years of careful planning, Temple Beth-El is moving forward with a Cemetery Renovation & Expansion Capital Campaign to ensure this holy space can continue to serve our congregation well into the future.
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While the conversations among congregants and lay leaders about the need for improvements have been going on for years, the roots of this renovation and expansion process began in 2018 when the Board of Trustees approved a renovation and expansion plan. This plan was re-approved in 2023 when the Board focused again on the cemetery after being interrupted by COVID.
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Since then, the process has been guided by expert planning, thoughtful design, and strong collaboration by lay leadership with the clergy, staff, and expert partners. At our January 22nd Town Hall, we shared the project plans and progress—and we are grateful to report that $4.1 million of our $4.5 million goal has already been committed.
Campaign Leadership
The Cemetery Renovation Capital Campaign is being guided by a dedicated committee:
Melvin Cohen, M.D., Honorary Chair | J. Russell Davis, Chair | Amy Benedikt, M.D. | Harry Levy | David Palans | Alan Petlin | Richard Planto
Mark Eichelbaum, Temple President (ex officio) | Rabbi Mara Nathan, Senior Rabbi (ex officio) | Eric Ryniker, Executive Director (staff support) ​
Harry Levy is coordinating the construction process.
This committee is separate from the Cemetery Committee, which continues to oversee cemetery maintenance and policies.
Campaign Goal & Financial Stewardship
The campaign goal is $4.5 million.
These funds will:
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Enable the full completion of the renovation and expansion project
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Strengthen and enhance the endowed Cemetery Fund for long-term care
In anticipation of this project, the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution restricting and redefining the endowed Cemetery Fund to ensure responsible stewardship and sustainability.
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As of the January 22, 2026, Town Hall, $4.1 million has been committed, with most gifts pledged over a three-year period.
Opening the Campaign to Our Entire Community
After years of planning and early leadership support, we are now opening the Cemetery Renovation & Expansion Capital Campaign to all members of Temple Beth-El and to those who care deeply about the long-term future of Beth El Memorial Park.
This campaign is an opportunity to take part in preserving sacred ground that belongs to our entire community—today and for generations to come.
Your gift is not only a contribution to construction—it is an investment in perpetual care.
Please note that all money received in excess of the construction cost is an investment in the cemetery fund.
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Contact Aliyah Kuchinsky for assistance with pledges, questions or additional financial information.
Email: akuchinsky@beth-elsa.org | Phone: 210-733-9135 ext. 109
Gifts of all sizes are meaningful and deeply appreciated.
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Contributions may be pledged over up to three years
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One-time gifts are also welcome
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Naming and recognition opportunities are available
Recognition:
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Gifts of $25,000 and above will be recognized on a permanent plaque located on the pavilion
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Other gifts will be acknowledged on this webpage and in a dedication book to be published when the pavilion is dedicated following construction
Construction Timeline & Sacred Considerations
Construction will take place in four stages to minimize disruption and ensure continued access.
Out of respect for our community and Jewish tradition:
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Construction will pause to accommodate burials and unveilings
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No work will take place on Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Kever Avot, the final day of Sukkot, the final day of Pesach, or Shavuot
Every effort is being made to ensure the process is carried out with dignity, sensitivity, and care.
Periodic construction updates will be posted on this page as the project progresses.
Questions or Additional Info
We are grateful for the thoughtful engagement of our congregation throughout this process. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Eric Ryniker at eryniker@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135 ext.118
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Thank you for helping Temple Beth-El preserve this sacred space for generations to come.