AUGUSTA — After years of taking Hebrew classes in cramped quarters, the children of Temple Beth El can finally spread out.

On Sunday, the synagogue on Woodlawn Street dedicated the Nancy and Charles Shuman Center for Jewish Learning, a newly renovated building that more than doubles the space that Temple Beth El occupies. The Shumans, of Winthrop, are noted philanthropists and Temple Beth El members who own Charlie’s Motor Mall in Augusta.

They were large contributors to the fundraising effort to buy and renovate the home at 5 Woodlawn St. next to the synagogue at 3 Woodlawn St.

Temple Beth El bought the home in 2013 for $50,000. After that, Rabbi Erica Asch said Temple Beth El poured $120,000 into fixing it up to house the Hebrew school, which serves 30 students from pre-kindergarten through seventh grade. Between eighth grade and high school’s end, kids can get paid jobs teaching younger children.

“In the building, they build their Jewish identities,” Asch said. “Our new center says that we, as a community, value the traditions of our people and want our children to grow up immersed in the ways of our people.”

It was needed. Before, the community held classes in the synagogue’s sanctuary, a large room that could get loud with different age groups in it at the same time.

Asch and her office manager are also moving their offices to the building. David Offer, Temple Beth El’s president, called their office in the synagogue “closets.”

In the new building, there are three classrooms and a kitchen. Speaking at the bimah before the new building’s dedication, Charlie Shuman told the congregation that when he and his wife moved to the area 27 years ago, they had to go to Lewiston for their kids to get religious schooling.

“Now, we’re going to have this great center to ensure the best of learning for our children,” he said.

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