The timely and timeless synagogue : a synagogue for Washington Square, Brookline, MA

Abstract

The synagogue has always played a crucial role in the life of the Jewish people. It is the embodiment of a religion which dates its proud past as stemming from the beginning of creation. Nevertheless, the passing of time has not diminished the people's fervor in the observation of age-old customs, traditions, and laws. However. the Jewish people are flexible enough to acknowledge the changes inherent in the passing of time. This concept of time. a respect for the past and an awareness of the present with a projection for the future, is paramount in the architectural development of the synagogue. Throughout the years. synagogue planners have considered this melding of the present with the past, modernity with antiquity as a reflection of the needs of its people at a given time. Fundamental to the design of my synagogue is what I consider its three-fold purpose: a House of Prayer, a House of Study, and a House of Assembly -- all coalescing to serve the spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of the people. It will consider the necessity of continuity without sacrificing the need for versatility and adaptability, all within the parameters of its utilitarian needs. While ancient symbols, traditional artifacts, and alter objects should be visible, even that which is not visible but revered even more will be lovingly, albeit subtly. evident. Thus. G- d's presence will be manifested within the symbolic design concepts, the lofty structural innovations, the light and shadow imagery. The most modern artistic and architectural techniques will be utilized to create a beautiful, utilitarian, versatile synagogue, adaptable to the changing needs of its community. Thus, this synagogue can play a most important role in keeping our religion timely and timeless.