FAQs About PJTC

General Questions:

Where will PJTC be located? | Who is involved in the rebuilding process? | How will members be updated and included? | Where is PJTC currently located? | How is the rebuilding being funded? | Will my dues increase because of the rebuild? | Who is our architectural firm and what was the selection process? | Can members give input into the design?

Timeline and Process:

Phase 1: Recovery & Foundations | Phase 2: Design & Permitting | Phase 3: Capital Campaign | Phase 4: Construction | Phase 5: Dedication & Renewal

General Information

Where will PJTC be located?
PJTC will remain rooted in Pasadena/Altadena, building on the legacy of our original site while embracing a new chapter for our community. It is most likely we will remain at 1434 N Altadena Dr.

Who is involved in the rebuilding process?
We all are! The Rebuilding Committee consists of Clark Linstone, PJTC President and former COO of a major corporation; member Terry Tornek, former Pasadena Mayor and City Planner; member Todd Levine, Engineer and Project Manager for major companies like Disney and Universal; Jonathan Brier, son of a PJTC member and professional architect; Jonah Dicker, general contractor with expertise in construction and hospitality development and associate of PJTC member Ezra Callahan; Michael Silver, PJTC member and experienced business and legal affairs executive; Rabbi Josh Ratner.

Over the course of rebuilding, multiple subcommittees will form–thus far committees focused on Exceptional Spaces (Peter Braun), Surveys (Dr. Kristine Garroway), and Capital Campaign (Keri Axel). We anticipate many more to come. Members are encouraged to offer time, skills, and professional expertise. Opportunities include joining committees, helping with events, and spreading the word about our rebuilding campaign. Melissa has been working to integrate our congregants’ skills and expertise into an up-to-date database for the Rebuilding Committee to use as we go through this project; her team may be contacting you to learn more about your background. Contact Melissa@pjtc.net or Clinstone@icloud.com to learn more. 

How will members be updated and included?
We provide regular updates through email, newsletters, our website, community conversations, Board meetings, and town halls. Transparency is a guiding principle in this process. We will ask for feedback both in writing and in meetings throughout the process. 

Where is PJTC currently located?
Our school is at Frostig, which can also host other PJTC gatherings/meetings during and after school days. Our offices, meeting spaces, and worship spaces will primarily be at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Pasadena. As we share space with many other wonderful groups at FUMC, we are continuing to search for a long-term rental that feels more like a “Temp Temp,”- a Temporary Temple we are empowered to make our own. We also hope to reunite with B’nai Simcha preschool in such a “Temp Temp.” While looking for a "Temp Temp" space, we may also find additional office space in close proximity to FUMC.

How is the rebuilding being funded?
Funding comes from a combination of insurance coverage, FEMA, possible compensation from the SoCal Edison lawsuit for any uninsured losses, generous donations, grants, and our capital campaign.

Will my dues increase because of the rebuild?
At this time, dues remain unchanged. The Board will continue to assess fees on an annual basis.

Who is our architectural firm and what was the selection process?
The Rebuilding Committee researched architects with experience in these types of projects. The congregation was also asked to share recommendations. The Rebuilding Committee vetted these recommendations based on a specific set of criteria communicated to the congregation. Finalists presented to the congregation over two open meetings, and congregants provided feedback/preferences to the rebuilding committee which were used to narrow down the choices further. On August 13 at an open meeting the Board voted to accept the Committee’s recommendation to hire Finegold Alexander Architects (FA).

Can members give input into the design/how does the design phase work?

Yes! While we can’t have 400 families weigh in on every detail, one of the many reasons we’re excited to work with FA is their deep commitment to community engagement. They are incorporating input through community conversations, town halls, surveys, and committee participation—ensuring that every voice, including children and teens, helps shape our new home.

During the summer of 2025, all congregants (including teens) were invited to complete a survey about our previous facilities and to share hopes and dreams for new spaces and programs. PJTC also hosted an open, intergenerational Community Conversation, where members of all ages—teenagers to octogenarians—brainstormed together in small groups.

The results of these surveys and discussions were shared with FA to help them understand what makes PJTC’s community life special and which spaces have been most meaningful. This input will directly inform the first draft of the new campus design.

As of October 30, FA has met with several major stakeholder groups to refine space requirements and begin outlining the overall square footage. These groups include the Board of Directors, Past Presidents, Social Justice Committee, Green Committee, Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Religious School Parents, Senior Staff, and Clergy.

The Rebuilding Committee is now scheduling additional sessions, including meetings with the Kitchen Committee and an open Zoom meeting for any congregant who wishes to speak directly with the architects and did not participate through another stakeholder group.

Timeline & Process

Phase 1: Recovery & Foundations (completed in 7 months)
Salvaged sacred/heritage items; cleared site (FEMA/Army Corp); checked in on and fundraised for fire-impacted members; secured temporary worship, school, and program spaces; formed Rebuilding Committee; congregational survey: what worked pre-fire & initial vision for new facility; identified desired qualities in architect & selected Finegold Alexander Architects with congregant input.

Phase 2: Design & Permitting (just beginning- 10-12 months)
Goals: Produce a clear, board- and congregant-vetted design concept; achieve necessary city approvals and permits; provide sufficient detail to launch the Capital Campaign with concrete visuals and cost estimates.
Site Feasibility & Zoning: Determine if/what PJTC can rebuild on the existing site; review county requirements, zoning,  permits, parking, traffic, safety, fire, sustainability.
Architectural Engagement: Architects will visit beginning in September to meet with PJTC stakeholder groups; multiple design drafts created, refined through iterative input over the course of several months. 

Phase 3: Capital Campaign (approximately 12-18 months)
This phase will overlap with both the latter part of Phase 2 and the early part of Phase 4. While we should know the approximate total cost of the project by the end of Phase 2, we may not yet have an accurate Capital Campaign goal. We have received 92% of our insurance cap thus far, which is in an interest-bearing account. We are near completion of initial FEMA documentation. It may take a few years to learn the impact of the SoCal Edison lawsuit. 

Regardless, the Capital Campaign will have a quiet phase to engage major internal and external donors to build momentum. A Community Campaign will follow, involving all congregants and partners in Jewish and civic life. We will offer naming rights and tiered donor acknowledgment. We will host milestone events, parlor meetings, and celebrations. 

Phase 4: Construction  (approximately 20-24 months)
Members can expect regular updates to the congregation with photos, drone footage, and milestones.

Phase 5: Dedication & Renewal - let’s move in!
Members and the wider community will all be included in dedicating our new facility.

While exact dates are still evolving, we estimate 3-4 years from now to reach Phase 5. 
Risks to the timeline include permitting delays, supply chain, and fundraising pace.