Congregation thrilled to be rid of temple's mold infestation

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http://www.news-journalonline.com/2002/Apr/15/AREA3.htm

Monday, April 15, 2002

Congregation thrilled to be rid of temple's mold infestation

By AUDREY PARENTE (audrey.parente@...)

Staff Writer

DAYTONA BEACH -- The end of a serious mold problem at Temple Israel is cause

for celebration.

The congregation will honor Saul Feldman, who helped solve the problem that

caused considerable damage to the Temple. The celebration, an evening of

opera and desserts, will be Saturday and is open to the public.

Irv Cook, a member of Temple Israel, said mold had overtaken the building,

but had gone undetected during a remodeling of the interior.

" Basically what happened is, we just finished with a substantial renovation.

But we started peeking because we had a little leak. It was like opening up

a Pandora's Box, " Cook said. " When we started tearing away, we found a

tremendous problem. "

The building had become significantly infested with molds and mildew.

" We had to tear out the walls and do an unbelievable remediation, " Cook

said.

Feldman said some of his fellow temple members suggested drastic measures.

" During the various considerations of what to do, one of the considerations

was to sell the property and build a new temple in a different location, or

tear it down, and a combination of ideas, " Feldman said.

Meanwhile, a committee was receiving estimates to get rid of the mold on the

order of about $175,000 -- which would not include replacing everything torn

out, Feldman said.

" The total would be between $300,000 and $400,000 to get the job done, "

Feldman said.

Cook said it was Feldman who " stepped up to the plate and took charge and

literally saved the temple. "

More than 27 contractors were involved. They tore out internal walls and

ceilings, decontaminated the building and floors and about 14 air

conditioners. Then the building was repaired and reconstructed.

" Feldman was there late at night and early mornings for months supervising

the work and the committees, " Cook said.

Feldman said he didn't accomplish the feat alone.

" The net result is, we got the entire job done for less than our budget,

which was $120,000. It was a very intense, major job and required a

tremendous effort, not only on my part, but on many people's part -- 35 to

40 who participated in helping this take place, " he said. " But as the person

who was managing the entire process -- it was very satisfying. "

The celebration to honor Feldman will begin at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the

temple, 1400 S. Peninsula Drive, including desserts and wine and a concert

by Cantor Isaac and Kriger.

The Krigers have performed with the Israel National Opera, at Alice Tully

Hall in the Lincoln Center and with the Hollywood Pops Orchestra in Los

Angeles. The program will include Jewish music from the 14th century to the

present, including Ladino, Yiddish and Israeli songs.

For information and reservations at $50 a person, call (386) 252-3097.