Fundraising was a top priority in 1944 and 1945 for a new building. As of October 27, 1944, $33,950.98 had been raised. Four sites were considered: one a half mile beyond the city limits on Spring Arbor Road, another on Brown Street near the Cascades, the third on Michigan Avenue at West Avenue, and a fourth on Greenwood and Randolph Streets, purchased in case the Michigan Avenue deal fell through. It was later sold. By February 2, 1948 the building fund was just $37,000 short of the $120,000 goal. Temple leadership managed to purchase the Michigan Avenue site for the new Temple from the Union School District for $7551. They also purchased a bungalow for the Rabbi for $6996. And, that same year they donated $500 from the Temple to the Jackson YMCA to furnish two residence rooms.
On October 21, 1945, Temple Beth Israel celebrated its eighty-fifth anniversary with a dinner and program at the Hotel Hayes. The annual Passover Seder in 1945 year was limited to seventy-five. Cost was $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children twelve and under.
In March, 1945, the congregation dedicated an honor roll plaque containing the names of members and sons of members in the service during World War II. Out of a congregation of fifty families thirty-five young men served the nation in the Armed Forces.
