In 1996, Joe Sugarman bought the property at 634 Alulike Street, Kihei, HI 96753 (our current building) as a favor to his friend who was an active member of Maui Religious Science Center (MRSC). He did this so that he could lease the building to MRSC in order for them to have a place of worship. Unfortunately, MRSC had financial problems and couldn't afford the rent. JCM was a new organization and had been meeting anywhere they could find space.
In 1997, Joel Richman, a founder of JCM and President of the Board at the time, suggested to Joe that he sell the building to JCM at a reduced price, and he agreed. JCM had a fundraising drive, and Arnold Feuerstein (who passed away in 2015) stepped up as the major donor. JCM raised the additional money, and the purchase went through in January 1998. JCM has never held a mortgage on the property. Owning our building outright is an immeasurable gift to the Jewish community; this would not have been possible were it not for the generosity of Joe Sugarman and Arnold Feuerstein.
. We will continue to honor both Joe and Arnold by maintaining JCM as the center of Jewish life on Maui for all who live here and find themselves on Maui.
May his memory forever be for a blessing.
The Jewish Congregation of Maui Beit Shalom Synagogue Kihei, HI 96753
The mission of the Jewish Congregation of Maui is to support and inspire Jewish religious and cultural practices for Maui residents and visitors, provide and encourage Jewish education and life cycle services, and engage the Jewish community with religious services, classes, and events.
