O Z Collaborative , a team of specialists, and several Rodeph Shalom committees worked together to study the entire facility, review the evolving needs of the congregation, define goals and priorities, and, ultimately, reconceptualize how the complex will work.

The first phase of the multi-year project was the restoration of the Byzantine revival sanctuary, which also included all new systems, accessibility upgrades, lighting and sound system replacement, and interventions that were done in ways that were invisible to worshippers. To protect this investment, it was necessary to examine the building envelope, in particular masonry, roofing, and flashings. Investigations revealed deterioration and some longstanding deficiencies in the original 1929 construction.