The Great Synagogue
The great synagogue constructed in 1920s, with dome, stained-glass windows and concrete arched facade of the 1970s. You have to get in until 15:00!
Architect Yehuda Magidovitch erected a magnificent building, the appearance of which, though, has changed dramatically over the decades. Magidovitch’s project was created in a style that is traditional for synagogues of the Eastern Europe and had solemn façades with arches and a great dome. In late 1930s, architect Zeev Rechter added wide stairs to the façades. So the entrance was now high above the ground. In 1970s, the building was considerably renovated. It was fenced with ungraceful concrete columns. So it now resembled a giant centipede.
The same style was used to modify the front façade, indoor lighting and interior details. The front façade has a low relief of Jerusalem’s Hurva Synagogue that the Jordanian soldiers destroyed in 1948. Glass-stained windows here are equally breathtaking. These are replicas of synagogues destroyed in Europe during the Holocaust. The Ark says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded”.
The synagogue's history is the country’s history. In 1946, the Jewish underground movement Irgun blew up the British headquarters in Jerusalem located in the King David hotel. Searches began. The authorities found the weapons stored in the basement of the Great Synagogue. The temple custodian was arrested. After Israel was established, religion was on the rise and the huge temple with 1,100 seats was overcrowded with Saturday prayers.
Nevertheless, Tel Aviv was progressing as a secular city. The faithful abandoned the downtown of the city in search of spiritual life. As time went by, dozens of temples in central quarters remained deserted. It was not uncommon that the Great Synagogue lacked men for the minyan, a minimum number of male worshipers. According to Talmud, to perform public worship, there must be at least 10 men over the age of 13.
The temple has recently begun to come back to life thanks to the efforts of community activists and young people. The Great Synagogue hosts weddings, Saturday meals, festivities, Torah study classes.
The same style was used to modify the front façade, indoor lighting and interior details. The front façade has a low relief of Jerusalem’s Hurva Synagogue that the Jordanian soldiers destroyed in 1948. Glass-stained windows here are equally breathtaking. These are replicas of synagogues destroyed in Europe during the Holocaust. The Ark says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded”.
The synagogue's history is the country’s history. In 1946, the Jewish underground movement Irgun blew up the British headquarters in Jerusalem located in the King David hotel. Searches began. The authorities found the weapons stored in the basement of the Great Synagogue. The temple custodian was arrested. After Israel was established, religion was on the rise and the huge temple with 1,100 seats was overcrowded with Saturday prayers.
Nevertheless, Tel Aviv was progressing as a secular city. The faithful abandoned the downtown of the city in search of spiritual life. As time went by, dozens of temples in central quarters remained deserted. It was not uncommon that the Great Synagogue lacked men for the minyan, a minimum number of male worshipers. According to Talmud, to perform public worship, there must be at least 10 men over the age of 13.
The temple has recently begun to come back to life thanks to the efforts of community activists and young people. The Great Synagogue hosts weddings, Saturday meals, festivities, Torah study classes.
Task 9.1
Something has to change now. Suggest three strategies that could help the synagogue to develop. Estimate both interior and exterior adornments, work of the personnel (in case you happen to meet anyone). Ask the personnel about what the administration is changing about the synagogue to make this place grow in popularity and revive its former value for the citizens.
Finally, imagine that your team leads the management of the facility. Which three strategies would you choose? We are waiting for your answer in the text format. Each suggested strategy will be scored separately. If your idea is acceptable, your team will get 2 points.
In total, you can have up to 6 points for this task.
Finally, imagine that your team leads the management of the facility. Which three strategies would you choose? We are waiting for your answer in the text format. Each suggested strategy will be scored separately. If your idea is acceptable, your team will get 2 points.
In total, you can have up to 6 points for this task.
up to 6 points
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