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Owen Levine, son of Greg & Aly Levine, has grown up at Temple Israel and has a deep connection to the Religious School, through which he most recently became a Confirmand in May of 2022. So, when he had the opportunity to take on a service project as a part of Eagle Scouts, he wanted his work to benefit other kids and students here at TI. 

Owen decided to build a Gaga pit on the Temple Israel Upper Playground. This 15-foot octagon Gaga pit would replace the older playground equipment and include an ADA-compliant door so that it could be accessible to all campers and students, including those with disabilities and special needs.

“Not only is Gaga very popular in schools and camps and could be used by Religious School students on Sundays and for Deutsch Early Childhood Center kids, but it will also have a connection for the Temple since the game was invented in Israel. It will provide a new activity and one which has Israeli roots.”

Not only did Owen need to write up his plans – which included sourcing supplies, volunteers, and transportation – but he was responsible for fundraising from friends and family, his community, and other networks.

Own pulled it together, and the Gaga pit was installed this summer at TI. The kids are already loving having this game on site and will enjoy it for years and years to come.

Here’s a little more from Owen about his experience.

What was your inspiration for this project?
“I thought it would work out perfectly because TI has done so much for my Jewish journey. I thought this would be a perfect way to give back to all they have done for me.”

Tell us more about the process.

“At first taking on the project was a lot. It felt like I was in a corn maze with no way out. The planning portion of the project was very tedious. However, once I broke it down piece by piece,  it started to come easier. I had to get lots of approvals and get all of the supplies ordered and ready. It was very straightforward, easy, and fun to build, and before I knew it, it was done.”

How did it turn out?
“The outcome I was very pleased with. I have already seen kids enjoying the gaga pit. Word on the street is it's the most popular piece of playground equipment. It always makes me smile when I hear about the pit's success. I am hoping that the students can grow into the gaga game, and it will stay with them forever…even adults can play, and it can stay with them their entire lives.”