Torah Academy Pursues New Location, Beth Am Transitions to Three New Sites

As Congregation Beth Am spreads its operation to new nearby locations, one of the building’s tenants is looking to do the same. 

Torah Academy, which has leased space from Congregation Beth Am, hopes to relocate to the Woodland Commons shopping center at the northwest corner of Route 22 and Buffalo Grove Road. 

The school is negotiating a sublease with The Duman JCC, Rabbi Steven Zehnwirth, head of Torah Academy, told Buffalo Grove officials last week.

Torah Academy serves about 25 children through its preschool, elementary school and daycare, Zehnwirth wrote in a July 10 letter to village officials. The school would occupy a portion of the 21,170-square foot site that the JCC leases from Inland Real Estate Corp.

The village would need to sign off on zoning changes before the school could move to Woodland Commons because elementary schools are not permitted in Buffalo Grove’s business districts. 

Trustees last week referred the request to the Plan Commission, which will be asked to review the proposal after the property owner acknowledges the request and documentation of the lease negotiation is provided.

Beth Am Finds New Homes

Meanwhile, Congregation Beth Am is relocating its offices and meeting space to 1370 Abbott Court in Buffalo Grove. Sunday school and Hebrew school will be held in a District 21 elementary school, while regular services will be held at Temple Beth-El in Northbrook.

The shuffling follows Congregation Beth Am’s sale of its building to the Buffalo Grove Park District. The park district plans to convert it into a performing arts center.