As a structural engineer and successful business owner, William “Bill” Lefkofsky developed prominent edifices throughout the country. Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, the creation he treasured most was his family, which he and his wife, Sandy, built and nurtured together for almost six decades. Bill, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and generous philanthropist, died Nov. 22 after a valiant battle with several serious illnesses for the past six years. He was 82.  

Bill Lefkofsky was born in 1937 in London, Ontario, migrating to Detroit at the age of 3 with his parents and two siblings, Helene and Danny. Upon his arrival, he attended the former Durfee Elementary School and subsequently graduated from Central High School, where he made many lifelong friendships. Following a brief stint at University of Detroit, where he considered becoming a dentist, he transferred to Wayne State University, where he used his considerable math skills to earn a degree in engineering.

Temple Israel is excited to announce a generous gift from Sandy and Bill Lefkofsky. This remarkable donation will fund a beautiful new social hall and prayer space for meaningful worship and celebrations well into the future.

Sandy and Bill Lefkofsky’s connection to Temple Israel began almost fifty years ago when they were looking for a place where their family could worship and their children could receive a quality Jewish education. 

They are proud to say their daughter Jodi and their sons Steve and Eric became a bar/bat mitzvah at Temple. They were also confirmed and graduated from Temple Israel’s high school.

Jodi and Kevin Neff, Steve and Melanie, and Eric and Liz were all married by Temple clergy. Seven of their grandchildren who grew up in Michigan also went through high school at Temple. Bill served on the building committee and the board of trustees. Steve, their oldest son, also served on Temple’s board. Jodi has been very active with youth group and has been on several committees for Temple events. Their son Eric, his wife Liz, and their three children have maintained their Temple membership and been active in special projects while living outside of Chicago. 

Temple Israel continues to play a special role in Sandy and Bill’s lives, and Temple is beyond grateful for the sustained dedication from this generous family. It is with great pleasure that they are now able to fund the Lefkofsky Family Prayer and Social Hall, with the hope that this building will ensure the continuation of Temple Israel as a vital part of our Jewish community.

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“We feel that we are blessed to have each other, our children and grandchildren, family and friends. We are grateful to give back to Temple and the community that has meant so much to us.”

                                                              - Sandy & Bill Lefkofsky -

Temple Israel is excited to announce a generous gift from Sandy and Bill Lefkofsky. This remarkable donation will fund a beautiful new social hall and prayer space for meaningful worship and celebrations well into the future.

Sandy and Bill Lefkofsky’s connection to Temple Israel began almost fifty years ago when they were looking for a place where their family could worship and their children could receive a quality Jewish education. 

They are proud to say their daughter Jodi and their sons Steve and Eric became a bar/bat mitzvah at Temple. They were also confirmed and graduated from Temple Israel’s high school.

Jodi and Kevin Neff, Steve and Melanie, and Eric and Liz were all married by Temple clergy. Seven of their grandchildren who grew up in Michigan also went through high school at Temple. Bill served on the building committee and the board of trustees. Steve, their oldest son, also served on Temple’s board. Jodi has been very active with youth group and has been on several committees for Temple events. Their son Eric, his wife Liz, and their three children have maintained their Temple membership and been active in special projects while living outside of Chicago. 

Temple Israel continues to play a special role in Sandy and Bill’s lives, and Temple is beyond grateful for the sustained dedication from this generous family. It is with great pleasure that they are now able to fund the Lefkofsky Family Prayer and Social Hall, with the hope that this building will ensure the continuation of Temple Israel as a vital part of our Jewish community.