SHELL' LIEBMAN DORFMAN

Staff Writer

I

f a 1,000-seat sanctuary can accurately be
described as warm and intimate, then Adat
Shalom Synagogue leadership has done its job .

well.
"It was the intent of the [sanctuary renovations]
committee to make the sanctuary brighter, warmer and
more intimate," said Paul Magy,
synagogue president. The goal
was to give our sanctuary a
warmer atmosphere, providing
worshipers with a greater sense of
spiritual connection and fulfill-
ment, at the same time preserving
the purity and lines of the existing
design and keeping the focus on
the Aron Kodesh [Holy Ark]."
And the work was done week
Magy
after week, Monday through
Friday, with no interruption to
Shabbat services. "Adat Shalom even hosted several
weddings in the sanctuary during this period," Magy
said.
The renovations — the first for the sanctuary since
the building opened in 1973 — included painting the
enormous ceiling bright white. Acoustical fabric-
wrapped wall panels now cover old concrete wall
blocks. Magy described other changes to include the

installation of "birds-eye maple ceiling panels, new
Torah tables, a new rabbi's podium and new bimah
seating.''
"The overall effect is a softening of the space, and it
has been very well received by the congregation," said
Rabbi Daniel Nevins.
"We also have a new
handicapped-accessible
ramp, which is an
important affirmation
of human dignity in
our sanctuary. The
architects added a
menorah motif, indi-
cating our prayer that
the sacred light of
Torah will shine forth
from our sanctuary and
illumine every soul."
Magy said, "Our
congregants love the
new look and guests
have been equally
enthusiastic. It has been
very exciting to experi-
ence the difference that
the feel of a sacred
space can make."
Although the sanc-
tuary renovations are

complete, a few other changes are being considered for
the future, including additional lighting, woodwork
and new upholstery for the pews.
Bruce Brickman of West Bloomfield, chairman of

ENLIGHTENING CHANGES on page 54

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