Nu, what did I think of The Shul which just opened?
. . . Architecturally, it is beautiful. It's modern; it's open, it's
light. And, most important, it's functional.
But let's set aside the architectural dimensions of The Shul.
Let us remember, the essence and soul of any institution —a
library, university, etc. is not embodied in bricks and mortar.
The essence of an institution is defined by its values and goals it represents.
The essence of an institution is defined by what happens within its buildings
and structures.
And what happens in The Shul is very special in terms of religious
experiences and their meaning.
The Shul exudes warmth, a love of Judaism and Jews —all Jews.
The Shul, of course, was strategically named to imply neutrality.
All are welcome —Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or non-practicing Jews.
...We felt welcome, we felt united with others in The Shul,
we felt comfortable that no one was judging us, we felt the love o
Judaism that was expressed with much passion.
And that, to us, is what Judaism is —and should be— all about.
Berel Faulbaum