A newly-constructed building for Temple Israel in Vestal is about to open its doors.

The old synagogue building on Deerfield Place was demolished after a roof collapse in December 2013. The new one-story structure rose over the same footprint as the previous two-story facility.

Rebuilding committee chairman Al Lavker said the new building has less space than the one it is replacing.

Construction was recently completed, although some minor work will be done in coming weeks.

Although the old building sustained heavy damage when the roof over the social hall collapsed, many of the synagogue's most precious items were salvaged.

Lavker said much of what was saved from the former building has been placed in the new synagogue.

A celebration to mark the completion of the new building is scheduled for Friday. The synagogue's Torahs, which have been housed at the nearby Jewish Community Center, will be moved to the new structure. A march to the new building is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

The Hillel Academy, which was displaced by the roof collapse at the previous building, is preparing to hold classes in the new facility starting in September.

This Binghamton Now photo gallery features highlights of the new synagogue.

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