The Main Synagogue

To the right and left, low-stepped stairs guide one upstairs to the Main Synagogue. As one enters, one feels a spirit of reverence. An inner quietness pervades one's being. It is breathtakingly beautiful — but it is more. It is a place of holiness.

Large enough to hold 1,020 worshippers, the synagogue contains seats that immediately attract one's attention. They are not placed in the uniform or mechanical arrangement one usually finds in Synagogues and Churches. Here the seats are wound around the protruding pulpit, so that people on one side of the Synagogue can see those on the other side. Those within are not an audience; they constitute a Congregation where men and women join in the holy act of worship.

Dominating the scene is the magnificent Ark made of American black walnut, with doors that are edged in glass so that light enters not the Ark and light emanates from the Ark. Ten Torah scrolls are placed here to echo the Ten Commandments.

Over the Ark there is a huge ornament of aluminum and glass. The ornament is a dramatization of the sixth Chaplet of Isaiah, where the young prophet describes his vision of God's presence, symbolized by light, surrounded by Cherubim and Seraphim. The ornament is referred to as: "Wings".

Within the Wings glow the Ner Tamid — made of red glass and sustained by the Wings of the flying angels. Over the whole monolith is spread the great symbol of Jewish Religion:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole Earth is filled with His glory."

Thus, the monolith — which stands about 40 feet high and represents the two Tablets of the Law — seeks to convey the great message of Judaism: Religion seeks to sanctify life. Through the Torah and its unending study men learn how to achieve "Holiness" and they regard God as the inspiration that gives men the sense of the sacredness and holiness of life. So too, the holiness of life finds expression in the ethical and moral conduct of men and nations whose roots are planted in the Ten Great Commandments given by God to Moses at Mt. Sinai.

Facing the Ark, one's eyes inevitable move upwards in a sweep towards the Heavens whence comes the spiritual light and strength of men. The mighty ridges moving ever upward, the ribs of the windows are like shadowy arms stretched heavenward in prayer. They seem to speak to men and say:

"Reach upwards, O men, you have the capacity within you to be the children of the living God!"