‘Synagogue Impossible’ at ASU

In an effort dubbed “Synagogue Impossible,” a group of community members has launched a grass-roots campaign to renovate the Rohr Chabad House at Arizona State University in three weeks.

The project, coordinated by Chana “Bubby Lovey” Carro, was inspired by the Chabad house’s upcoming Cohen Family Sefer Torah dedication on Aug. 26. Carro said she envisioned the new Torah as a bride coming to a new home so she wanted to beautify the Chabad House for the special occasion.

The project – whose name refers to the Food Network restaurant renovation reality show “Restaurant Impossible” – involves a top-to-bottom makeover that includes 3,700 square feet of carpeting, 1,500 square feet of tiling, paint, landscaping and ultimately a new kitchen. The group’s immediate goal is to raise $24,000, according to Carro; Gabe Wood-Isenberg, ASU student board president, and his brother, Ben, have already helped to secure the first $4,000.

Volunteers Imri Artsi and ASU alumnus Jeremy Marks have been busy tearing out tile and carpeting and Beth Katz of Katz Design Group and construction expert Jonathan Sorrell are serving as advisers to the project, Carro said.

Chabad at ASU, run by Rabbi Shmuel and Chana Tiechtel, opened in 2003 and in 2007 moved to its facility at 971 S. Ash Ave. in Tempe.

To donate or volunteer for the project, visit jewishasu.com.