We are writing with exciting news about the planned improvements and enhancements to our Temple Shaari Emeth building. As you know, as part of the integration agreement between TSE and TRT, a joint working group was formed to take an inventory of the sacred items and recognition elements in both congregations and consider how best to blend them together. The Design Committee was formed several months ago to review these items and to consider general updates, improvements and enhancements that need to be made to the temple building. A portion of the funds acquired from the merger were set aside to accomplish this, along with additional TSE reserve funds. The committee has begun working with Mark Levin of Levin-Brown Associates, who specializes in design and are architectural experts in synagogues, to create the best plan. A few things are already underway that we wanted to share.
NER TAMID: Some of you may have noticed a delightful addition to our sanctuary: the Ner Tamid that lit the way for 33 years of worship, simchas and other religious ceremonies at Temple Rodeph Torah now proudly resides above the ark at Temple Shaari Emeth. Not only is it a beautiful piece of art, but also a beautiful reminder of the joy that has been added to our congregation through our new partnership.
Design Rendering
MEMORIAL WALL: There will be updates to the memorial wall in the sanctuary including a sleek, new interactive Yahrzeit Memorial that will display the current week’s Yahrzeit from both TSE and TRT instead of the current light boxes. With the digital system, the Memorial will preserve the dignity and emotion of traditional Yahrzeit designs while incorporating new features and innovations that will carry us into the next generation and beyond. The memorial plaques that currently reside in the middle section of the wall will be relocated to existing empty spots on the wall.
NEW BACK OF THE SANCTUARY: Construction will begin on a wonderful addition to the back of our sanctuary tomorrow. As mentioned above, the design committee has been working with our architect and together they have identified a meaningful way to incorporate the simcha plaques from both TSE and TRT. A wall will be constructed in front of the existing stage to create a new back of the sanctuary, on which the Tree of Life sculpture designed by artist David Ascalon will be displayed and will join the simcha plaques from both congregations together as one. This tasteful new addition will ensure that no matter where you are in the sanctuary, there will be a lovely reminder of the beauty, support and love that emanates from our congregation. Another benefit will be the addition of much needed storage behind the wall on the former stage area. A plan will enable family members to easily locate their plaques on the expanded and integrated Tree of Life. The social hall will be fully usable during construction.
There will be a section added to the TSE website where you can go to learn the latest from the Design Committee, view photos and renderings of future plans and ask questions if you have them. As well, there will be a regular column added to the newsletter and additional emails that will share updates.
We hope you join us in our excitement about this project to preserve the important histories of both congregations while enhancing and improving our building. After nearly 50 years, she deserves a bit of a face lift.
