Building Our Legacy: The Bermuda Jewish Centre Capital Campaign

A unique chance to transform our space after 15 years renting, including the creation of Bermuda's first synagogue.

We now fully own our building and are embarking on the next part of our campaign to renovate and create a safe and sacred home.

Welcome from our leadership

About the Jewish Community of Bermuda

Our Community- Our Future

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Our Community's Strategy: Who We Are and What We Believe

Mission

To serve and strengthen the Jewish community of Bermuda by providing inclusive religious, cultural, and educational programming.

Vision

A vibrant, multicultural, and egalitarian Jewish community rooted in Bermuda, sustained by the passion of its volunteers, and celebrated as a beacon of Jewish life in a unique, unaffiliated island setting.

Values

  • Kehillah (Community)
  • Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)
  • L'dor V'dor (From Generation to Generation)

Our Future for the Jewish Community of Bermuda

Building Bermuda's First Synagogue

A Key Step

This renovation creates Bermuda's first dedicated synagogue, providing a permanent place for Jewish worship now that we own the building.

Our Sanctuary

Our sanctuary used to be a multi-purpose room, even for Hebrew school overflow. The new design helps it be a purposeful space for worship and gatherings, keeping its sacred nature.

Serving Our Community

With about 63,778 Bermuda residents, this synagogue will serve the spiritual needs of Bermuda's Jewish community and visitors, helping to grow our community and traditions.

A Landmark on a Small Island

Bermuda is only 21 square miles and has over 110 churches (An average of five per square mile) and a few mosques, our synagogue will add uniqueness to the island's religious landscape.

Renovation Plans: Transforming Our Center

Upon purchase of the building and assessment by the contractor, we uncovered several structural and safety remediation needs in order to keep the building functioning and fit for purpose. Below are samples of what our building looked like before renovations began:

Structural Remediation

Addressing serious damage like roof leaks, mold, and crumbling walls to ensure safety, integrity, and a dignified space.

Modern Plumbing

Upgraded water tanks and cesspits meeting new standards and dependability.

Renovation Plans: Transforming Our Center

Access Updates

Refreshing the outside facade in order to improve safe access from our parking structure into the building.

Expanded Spaces and Updated Facilities

Reflecting our values and religious purpose. A new and dedicated classroom space and craft room for active learning.

Bermuda's First Synagogue

Updated and versatile space for celebrations, lectures, and events due to new classroom location.

Our Capital Campaign

Our Community's Remarkable 2024 Gala and Campaign Kickoff

February 2024 marked a watershed moment in our campaign journey. We were able to raise enough funds to purchase the Jewish Community's first ever permanent building in Bermuda. Our gala at Rosewood Bermuda exceeded all expectations!

Overwhelming Attendance

With 198 guests and a waiting list, we welcomed both Jewish community members and diverse supporters from across Bermuda.

Community Connection

The event sparked warmth and renewed purpose, bringing together dignitaries and friends in celebration.

Fundraising Success

Ticket sales and generous donations in lieu of attendance significantly advanced our property acquisition funding.

A 2026 Masquerade Gala to Fundraise for Renovations

Community Effort

Only 20% attendees were part the JCB, meaning 80% were supporters from the wider Bermuda community and beyond.

Traditions and Education

Guests learned about our cause, and also shared in a Havdalah ceremony and Purim traditions

Renovation Progress

Funds from the event advanced us toward our goal of building the community's first synagogue.

By popular demand, guests joined us for another sold-out gala. This time, Rosewood helped us host a Masquerade Gala in honor of Purim. Guests dressed up and showed their support for our community by donating and making a difference toward our renovations for the building.

Building Campaign Progress

Our journey to build a Jewish home in Bermuda continues “brick by brick” with the incredible support of all of you.

100%

Property Acquisition
Complete $570,000

Successfully funded
and completed!

72%

Renovation and Expansion Commenced
$1,250,000

Designs completed,
demolition underway

0%

Furniture and Fixtures
Not started
$460,000

Interior design planned and approved

We’ve made remarkable progress thanks to the generous support of so many of you. Every donation brings us closer to achieving our goals and making history in Bermuda

Your Impact

Engagement

Ensuring our traditions thrive in Bermuda's future, and supporting connections within the community.

Education

Enhancing life, learning, and connection for all ages and expanding to Bermuda's youth.

Sustainability

Your gift supports generations to come, and supports our plans financial, operational, and structural stability.

Every gift matters, no matter the size.

Our Journey: From Tenants to Owners

1

1940s through 2000s: US Naval Base

US naval officers began an informal Jewish community during the operation of two American bases in Bermuda. After the military's mid-1990s departure, local Jewish residents took over.

2

1990s to 2008: Community without a Home

Events and celebrations were held in various venues, including hotels, clubs, and retail spaces like Mermaid Beach Hotel, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Royal Amateur Dinghy Club, and Trimingham’s department store.

3

2008-2024: 15 Years of Renting

The Jewish Community leased space from St. John’s Anglican Church for 15 years. While benefiting from favorable rent, we had no ownership rights but funded improvements like a kitchen and new windows ourselves.

In 2018, we had the dedication of our very first Jewish Cemetery, further establishing our permanence as a part of Bermuda.

4

2024 (December): From Tenants to Owners

Thanks to our successful February 2024 Gala, we raised sufficient funds to purchase 75 St. John’s Road. This marks the first time our community owns a sole-use building for Bermuda's Jewish population—an incredible milestone supported by local and international friends.

5

2025-2027: Building a Bright Future

We look forward to renovating our centre, enhancing its structure and functionality to fully support and sustain Jewish life in Bermuda.

Join Us in Building Our Future- Naming Rights

Learn More:

Contact Heather Blaser Oliver

Campaign Administrator (441-717-8224)[email protected]

Join Us in Building Our Future- Buy a Brick

Buy a Brick

Own a Permanent Place in Our Home

$1,800 per brick
Custom multi-brick options available

Leave your mark on Bermuda's first synagogue. Your engraved brick becomes part of our foundation—a lasting symbol of your investment in Jewish life for generations to come.

Donor Wall

Honor Your Legacy

Every donation of $1,000+ throughout our campaign will be permanently recognized on our tribute wall in the newly transformed community center.

Your name. Your vision.
Our Gratitude

Donation Levels

$250,000 FOUNDER
$100,000 NER TAMID
$50,000 TORAH
$25,000 MISHNA
$10,000 STAR OF DAVID
$5,000 MEZUZZAH
$1,000 HAMSA
0-$1000 MENSCH

Contact:
Heather Blaser Oliver

Campaign Administrator
[email protected]

Ways to Donate

We're grateful for you! You can donate via the various methods below, and if you need further guidance, please reach out for assistance.

Direct Bermuda Donations

For local donations, you can directly transfer funds to the JCB's Butterfield bank account. We also accept payments via payment processor Bermuda Tix.

  • Bank Transfer to BNTB: "Jewish Community of Bermuda" #200 060 603 302 531 00

US Tax-Deductible Gifts

Americans can make tax-deductible contributions through our 501(c)(3) partner organization. Details at the American Friends of the JCB website.

  • Zeffy- A Credit Card Processor for USA donors with instant tax deductible acknowledgement
  • Zelle- Wire Funds Via Zelle 917-822-6143
  • Wire Transfer to our USA Bank Account

International Bank Transfers

Donors from outside Bermuda can contribute directly via international bank transfer. Please see details via Bank of Butterfield's settlement instruction page or email us at [email protected].

For any questions or assistance with your donation, please contact Heather Blaser Oliver, our Campaign Administrator, at [email protected] or (441) 717-8224.

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