When one walks down Avenue T and East 8th Street in Brooklyn, he or she may see a very uniquely shaped building, with the insignia of the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation hanging above its doorposts. Although quite bland in its exterior, with white cobblestones and rusting ironclad gates, once one enters its interior, the beauty and grandeur of the building will dazzle him or her. From the colorful children’s center, to the wide and open social hall, this structure houses many rooms fitted for every possible need. But, no room is as magnificent as the main Midrash, otherwise known as a sanctuary. From its massive size, to its multiple embellishments, this particular room personifies the magnificence of the entire synagogue, or shul in insider terms, but more importantly, it signifies what a communal effort can accomplish.
Before entering the main sanctuary, I must first pass through a second set of doors. Unlike the first metallic ones, these doors are made of darkened mahogany wood, and a panel of glass that has several Hebrew verses inscribed within it. After doing so, I am immediately hit by the extravagance of the room. Shapes like the letter “U,” the room is filled with at least three hundred chairs on its main floor. Each of these seats is made up of polished mahogany wood, probably of cedar origin, and is layered with bright red cushioning, the type that allows one to remain quite comfortable for a long period of time. Placed right within the center of the seating arrangements is a raised altar, upon which the Hazan, or leader of services, stands in order to recite the prayers for the congregation. From this focal point, one can see the many signs of Judaism throughout the room, such as the Magen David, or Stars of David, ...
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...es of the small details of the place that people tend to overlook. If one looks really closely, he or she may see a small plaque or writing of some sort under the various items described previously. From the small things such as the lights on the walls, to the bigger ones such as the Heichal, everything seems to be donated in some means or fashion. This small detail seems to define one of the most important aspects of the synagogue—self-sufficiency through its members. Since everything comes from within, it shows how the shul was built up from nothing into the grand entity that it is now. In other words, the splendor of the building has come through the hard work and cooperation amongst the individuals that make up the congregation as a whole. Without these qualities, the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation would not be even remotely close to what it is today.
...mment is that Moses, as the group’s spiritual leader, had the right idea in mind. When our leadership help us focus upwards, to the heavens, to our best selves, we succeed in our mission, whether fighting a war or building a sanctuary. When our leaders forget that mission, and our focus turns down- towards pettiness and false pride, then we are liable to build buildings without the investment of the people who fill the seats. We are liable to create beautiful and ornate houses for broken tablets, which can never lead us in our worldly mission. Our task force and building team is inspired by their commitment to the little wooden box, the Ark that reminds us of who we are on the inside that cannot be written down in stone. In addition, of course, our new space will be beautiful, but it will also shine with a light that is brighter than gold and silver can provide. Amen
In studying the Jewish elderly members of the Center, Myerhoff attempted to understand the people there as an isolated society with a distinct culture. Through participant observation, as well as carefully recorded interviews and conversations, Myerhoff aimed to document this culture and understand it as a basis for unity among the Center members. Her immersion in this culture along with her anthropological perspective made her successful in representing the people of the Center. In her book, Number the Days, Myerhoff provides readers with an ethnographic analysis of the existence of a culture. After reading the book, I feel that I have a comprehensive understanding of the Center people. Through her descriptions, based on observation, and her recorded dialogues Myerhoff actually offers readers an illustration of this `society.' "She uses this material to show us the very processes through which her subjects weave meaning and identity out of their memories and experiences," thus not only presenting the culture itself, but defining the context in which it emerged (Turner (in Myerhoff), xv).
“The Ark - Synagogue.” Judaism, Torah and Jewish Info - Chabad Lubavitch. N.p., n.d. Web.
As I walked into the first gallery, I saw a wood sculpture that stood in the center of the room. This carving depicted “the crucified Christ, flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist with Angels holding instruments of the Passion”. It was painted oak and very appealing to the eye. It stood approximately 15 feet in the air. The origin of this sculpture is unknown, but it was found in a Belgium church. This kind of sculpture usually stood at the entrance or at the center of the alter in the church facing the congregation. This image of the suffering Christ relates to the Christian ideas of suffering and Christ’s salvation of all mankind.
Taddy Grechanick | Rabbi Allen | Grade 9 Rabbinics What does Midrash mean? A Midrash is a commentary of the Torah, usually said by a Rabbi. They explain the portion of the Torah they are talking about using stories, examples, and their own personal beliefs.
... who lived in the area. For this they had to use what resources they had available to them. Then when the Replica was built they wanted to make it as close to the original as possible to honor and preserve the history of the land and the people that originally lived there, and who built and attended that church. Today, now that it is not used, it stands as a memorabilia of the original settlers, the work and troubles they went though and the way they got together to praise and worship. The trials and tribulation of the time frame. The connection with nature, with the forests, the mountains and the rivers.
The Jewish Synagogue of Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom is composed of Reformed and Conservative Jews. They believe in only one God and their most sacred text is called the Torah. Although their most important prophet is Moses, they also have other important individuals in their religion such as the prophets Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac. Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom is present in South Florida to invigorate its Jewish members with its spiritual needs and to support and connect its community. There was a countless number of eye popping decorations inside the Synagogue at Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom. The glass panels were all stained with various colors and symbols; the most prominent and prevalent piece of art was the Torah itself. You could also find the Torah in these glass panels which depicted luscious meadows covered with light blue glass-like skies. When turning towards the center of the room you could see a very beautiful and fiery design on two slide-able doors which I learned was called the Ark which held the Torah. The ark itself was surrounded by two large metal candles along with a smaller, yet similar, candle suspended above the Ark. In total there were about seven different Torahs inside the Ark which varied, not only in size, but also in decorations. Some Torahs seemed to be held by large gold plated bulbs while other Torahs seemed less sophisticated with lesser designs. There were multiple Torahs because, throughout time, some were donated and others were given to the Synagogue after merging with a different group.
In the early times of the synagogue had an essential role in the evolution of American Jewish life. Around the colonial period, the synagogue was the only Jewish institution and came to be compatible with the community. They gave both the religious and social needs for the environment. It symbolized the Jewish community as a whole. But it has undergone many changes. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the dynamic had shifted a little. There were movements to provide the needs of the Jewish communities. There was a Reform movement and a Conservative movement. These movements were a mix of religious and social functions. This was a precursor used for all the other synagogues had followed. Today, the role of the synagogue is retaining itself as an authoritative and dominating central building for American Jews. The temple has become an accepting association funding and shares the community obligation for Jewish education. Not only that, they have began to strengthen community building through social and political work. The synagogue remains a religious establishment for Jewish
...d a place for Jews to go and preach to their lord, while also having a place that allowed them to meet with each other and socialize. Much like todays gatherings such as church or meetings, it allowed them to have an essential meeting place in their communities. When the Nazi Empire was eliminated and the Jews were set free, they had nowhere to really go because they had been in captivity for so long. The synagogue has helped Jews since then regain their strength by connecting them with their lords and allowing them to be stronger in life. Without the synagogue, the Jews would not have had anywhere to go and preach and would have therefore have not influenced our churches of today’s world. The history that we know today and the ways of preaching would never be known if the synagogue had never been built, making it one of the most important points in Jewish history.
Haifa’s proximity to the sea and its active port, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, contribute to its prominence, drawing merchants, shoppers, and tourists from all across the world. The Port of Haifa has been a major factor in regards to the demographic diversity of the city. This diversity has lead to a form of cultural diffusion within Haifa in regards to both religions and customs, and thus for this reason, Haifa has been long considered the perfect model of coexistence between Jews, Muslims, Christians, and believers of the Baha’i faith. The Baha’i faith in particular is a perfect example of cultural diffusion within Haifa, as the religion combines the different customs and beliefs of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The Baha’i faith is a monotheistic religion that is based upon both union and harmony. Haifa, being the center of the Baha’i religion, is home to one of the most important shrines of this unique faith, the Baha’i Gardens. Mid 20th century poet Roger White gives a vivid description of the shrine and its surroundings in his poetic journal “Notes Postmarked: The Mountain of God”. Roger White’s first poem within his journal, “Visit to the Shrine of the Bab”, describes the beauty and exquisite details of the shrine, “attar of rose becomes his oxygen…petal-strewn threshold…the inner chamber screened by golden mesh.” (Haifa: A Poetic Journey, White, pg. 52) The description of the fragra...
Real Estate in Orthodox Jewish Communities | Walk To Shul. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. .
... curated community called, ArtSetters, that is focused on encouraging and promoting the artwork of local emerging artists to a global audience. For me, this lecture was in many ways very interesting. This type of lecture would for one never happen in a Catholic mass, but as well was very nice to see a congregation welcome back a member. Allowing Wyner to speak about her passion for art was inspiring as well an informative. It was refreshing to see a community supporting each other as the congregation welcomed Wyner and applauded her accomplishments. The service was let out after the finish of Wyner’s lecture. While some of the lay lefts shortly after, I noticed a good majority of the congregation stayed behind and talked with each other. The service at Temple Israel was an unlikely comforting and fascinating service that gave me a greater appreciation for Judaism.
To begin with, the history of Christian church architecture is, obviously, a highly complex one, but it is important that one understands the evolution of the floor plans of Catholic churches to see how the changing shapes of churches reflects an extended analysis of Catholic belief and practice. According to Cunningham, the architecture of a church building was designed in a certain way and it had a certain
There is no such thing as silence here. Everything jumps out at once, like the feathers on a peacock, immediately catching your attention. There are uncountable masses of colorful blobs moving, but within that great glob, there are many people, each person moving with the powerful confidence of a lion. The buildings all loom over the people, a grand oak tree above thousands of ants, tying together this concrete landscape. There is a tangible atmosphere of wonder, and you are left in awe of such an astonishing place. This magnificent place is none other than Times Square in New York City.
When I was a child I used to be frightened of entering such a place for it seemed so imposing and somewhat dangerous, especially when music was being played. One day, in order to keep a promise I had made, I saw myself forced to enter. It took me quite a while to get the courage to pass through the old oak door, but the moment I stepped in, I realized just how enchanting and breathtaking this building could be. Its fantastic architecture and exquisite frescoes reflect perfectly the unity between this earth and the unseen kingdom of angels in such a manner that one cannot say where one ends and the other begins. The way in which the church was built is also the vivid testimony of a medieval period. Although it is a place that can sometimes be cold and ask for respect it is where prayers are answered and magic is done. An overwhelming feeling of inner harmony takes over you once you enter and God seems much closer. Darkness and light are welded perfectly together creating Redemption’s house. The tower allows you to see the entire town from the smallest river to the biggest building site, offering you its mightiness.