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DEERFIELD TWP. — They're ready for the new year in their new home.

When Rosh Hashanah, Judaism's High Holidays, begins Sept. 29, members of Congregation B'nai Tikvah will be marking the start of the Jewish New Year with the blowing of the shofar in their new synagogue in Deerfield Twp. It will be the first time the Reconstructionist congregation has observed the service in a synagogue since its founding in 1998.

B'nai Tikvah — having held services first at the West Chester Twp. Administration building and for nine years at St. Anne Episcopal Church on Tylersville Road — moved into its Lake Chetac Drive home last month. The event, a celebration of God's blessings, drew participants, Jew and Christian, from throughout Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties, and as far as Portland, Ore.

The congregation, whose name means Children of Hope, renovated a former machine shop into a spacious facility with classrooms, offices and a multipurpose room, which serves for worship and — during the celebration — even Israeli dancing. Neighbors Stan Frey and Joan Walcher said the facility, which features a large stain glass window in memory of Marilyn Estelle Morgenstern above the bimah, was an improvement to the neighborhood.

While Rabbis Bruce and Donna Adler, spiritual leaders of the congregation, thanked God for his blessings; they also acknowledged the contributions of others. An embrace between Bruce Adler and the Rev. Thomas Wray, former St. Anne pastor, demonstrated their friendship.

"It was a great blessing to have them," said Wray.

"Jesus was a Jew, and it is very important to remember that," he said, noting Adler discussed the Jewish roots of Jesus with a St. Anne Confirmation class and participated in interfaith dialogue.

Fairfield resident Don Niesen was among those recognized for volunteer labor, having installed the flooring throughout the building. Humble at the attention, he said, "I met so many nice people. This has nothing to do with religion. We all believe in the same God."

The dedication included a ceremonial Torah procession, including congregation presidents, ending with Adler placing the Torah in the ark.

For more information, call (513) 759-5356.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2169 or pmccracken@coxohio.com.