Beth Sholom Synagogue In Philadelphia
40 04 '56 "N 75 07' 36" W / 40.0822, -75.1267
The synagogue, Beth Sholom in Elkins Park is located in the suburbs of Philadelphia ( Pennsylvania ).
Beth Sholom means in Hebrew " House of Peace. " This is a synagogue conservative and the only synagogue designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Elkins Park is a suburban affluent predominantly Jewish , with some families, African American , Irish and Korean.
Summary |
The community has initially established its synagogue in 1919 at Logan , a neighborhood in Philadelphia , before moving in 1950 in suburban Philadelphia, where she currently resides.
Rabbis
- 1919-1964 - Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen
- 1964-2000 - Rabbi Aaron Landes
- 2000-2003 - Rabbi Gershon Schwartz
- 2003-2004 - Rabbi Fred Kazan (Acting)
- 2004-xxxx - Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin
The building
In September 1953 , the Congregation Beth Sholom instructs the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design their new synagogue, which he accepts. He submits his plans to the direction of the congregation in March 1954. These are approved with enthusiasm and Wright is charged when the new building. The building was completed and consecrated on 20 September 1959 a few months after the death of Wright.
It is obvious that the new synagogue, rich in symbolism, Jewish , requires interpretation. Wright, who is the son of a pastor Unitarian , has a thorough knowledge of the Bible. It is further guided in its work by the advice of Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen, who through the genius of Wright seeks to incorporate in this building many important symbols of Judaism.
Exterior
With its sloping walls in stair in glass and translucent reinforced plastic , the building is projected towards the sky like a " Mount Sinai Lights "(in the words even Wright). During the day, the interior is illuminated by natural light entering through the translucent walls. During the night, the entire building of the inner light shines artificial.
From the outside, the building evokes a genuine mountain despite its modern materials like concrete , the steel , the aluminum and glass. As Mount Sinai, the synagogue seems low with a flat top which makes it look like a tent. On each of its three major ridges, the architect has placed a seven-branched candelabrum stylized, visible from all sides.
The entrance to the synagogue is covered with a canopy in the shape of hands deployed ready to welcome the faithful.
In front of the synagogue, and about 8 meters away, is a fountain with a pool of ablutions in copper. This type of basin was designed in the old days to wash their hands before entering the synagogue office and sacrifice. This lovely fountain with its running water is a symbol of purity came into this place of prayer.
The small oratory
The center of the vast lobby down a staircase leading to a small synagogue can seat approximately 250 people. An Ark in black walnut occupies the east wall and contains seven Torah scrolls. Two great seven-branched candlesticks, aluminum, designed by Wright himself on either side of the Bimah (altar). The only furniture was also designed by Wright.
The eternal light (Ner Tamid) hangs above the Holy Ark. It is wrought iron and represents the tower of the synagogue in miniature.
The main synagogue
We go into the hall the main synagogue by two staircases low slope.
The main synagogue is large enough to accommodate 1062 people. The seats are placed in a circular pattern around the altar in the room beforehand, so that people located on one side of the synagogue can see people located on the other side. Dominating the scene, the magnificent Ark in black walnut, lined with glass doors. The Holy Ark contains ten Torah scrolls.
Above the ark, a huge decorative aluminum and glass, called "Wings" is a dramatization of the sixth chapter of the Book of Isaiah , where the young prophet describes his vision of the presence of God surrounded by Cherubim and Seraphin.
The eternal lamp made of red glass is held by the wings of angels.
A candlestick polychrome hangs from ceiling with twelve light sources corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Tribute
On 4 April 2007 , the building was listed by the Department of the Interior on the list of National Historic Landmarks (Historic buildings) because of "its importance in the history of architecture American. " The reinforced glass pyramidal tower built in the 1950s , symbolizes two dominant metaphors - the tent and the mountain - to convey the sense of the sacred. This achievement is recognized as one of the most important national works made by Wright during his long and fruitful career.
He is also on the list published by the American Institute of Architects as one of 17 American vessels to preserve as an example of Wright's contribution to modern architecture in the United States.
References
- (In) This article is partially or entirely from the article in English entitled " Beth Sholom Synagogue "(see the list of authors )
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