As we mark the one year anniversary of dedicating our beautiful synagogue, it is worth recalling how many people (in the hundreds), made gifts of time, talent, and money to make our spiritual home a physical reality. One of the more mysterious chapters in the building saga (even to me) was how I became chair of what we dubbed the "Judaic Aesthetic Committee". I will leave it to others to tell the full tale.
Suffice it to say, this committee had the responsibility for determining the æsthetics that would adorn the building, especially in the sanctuary. While some elements were ready when we moved in in February, 2001, many more have appeared, piece by piece, in the ensuing months. It has been a pleasure to see each new element fall into place. The membership should know that still to come are chairs on the bimah to match the reading table and lectern, and a yahrzeit board to mark the loved ones members want to memorialize. This latter art/commemorative piece still awaits a dedicatory gift.
The next feature that is about to be dedicated will be a new set of coordinated Torah covers for our scrolls. Several months ago the committee identified an Israeli based fabric artist with an international reputation, Adina Gatt, to do these covers. Those of us who saw her work found it extraordinary and exquisite and we await delivery of the covers within the next few weeks.
It is with great pride that Sandy and I will be donating these covers to Adat Shalom in honor of our daughter, Jennifer’s, Bat-Mitzvah. We invite the entire congregation to join us on May 4, 2002 for the dedication of these new covers during the Shabbat morning service. We hope to see you then.
Rabbi Sid Schwarz