Congregation Beth David (CBD) announced last week that they have reached a settlement with the bank, the terms of which are confidential; however the Jewish congregation will continue to own its synagogue.

“We can’t thank our congregation and this wonderful community enough for the support and donations over the past three weeks,” said CBD Co-President Gregg Loberstein. “And most of all, thanks to the bank for working with us so that we could be where we are today – owners of our temple and secure in our future in this holy place that means so much to us.”

Loberstein added that a celebration is planned to thank the bank and the community, put on by the members of the congregation at no cost to CBD.

“Our members want to have a party," Loberstein said. "They are offering food, wine and to organize the gathering, which seems a fitting way to celebrate this happy occasion and move forward. We hope to see many community members and have the opportunity to tour them through our synagogue.”

The event is tentatively planned for Sunday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. More information is on the Facebook page, on the CBD website, or by calling (805) 544-0760.

CBD went into default of their loan held at the bank last year, and the property was in jeopardy of being put on the auction block if the bank was not paid by the deadline. The Temple, located at 10180 Los Osos Valley Road in
San Luis Obispo, was built in 2005 on 92 acres. The Temple was the first LEED-Certified synagogue in the world, and gained national attention.

CBD was able to raise the money needed to settle with the bank and take ownership of the temple through community donations and a nonregistered offering within the temple family. CBD also took steps to reach out to the Jewish community locally and nationally, and was able to get more than 50 stories place on their plight, garnering attention from MSNBC and JTA, a highly respected online global Jewish news source.

Congregation Beth David was founded in San Luis Obispo in 1959 and the group of 200 families is led by Rabbi Scott Corngold. The Temple is viewed as a community asset, and has been the venue for events for organizations ranging from the SLO Chamber of Commerce and environmental groups to the SLO Symphony.

For more information on Congregation Beth David, visit them online at www.cbdslo.org or call (805) 544-0760.