If You Build It, They Will Come

A congregation’s building is often the center of Jewish life in a given community. Some facilities have been standing for one hundred years; others are new, state-of-the-art spaces; still others are store fronts serving as a communal meeting place for worshipers. Whatever the venue, congregational meeting space is an important identifier for synagogues and great care should be taken when either renovating or restoring existing space or creating a new home for your congregation.

The URJ’s Ida and Howard Wilkoff Department of Synagogue Management understands this importance and created a Sacred Space and Synagogue Architecture portfolio of resources to address facility related concerns. To that end, you can now look forward to reading either a congregation’s “sacred space” story or tips from facility management professionals regarding how to make your space work for you.

The second If You Build It… article is a continuation of the first, which chronicled part one of Congregation Rodeph Shalom’s restoration and renovation story. In part two, Everything Old is New Again: Congregation Rodeph Shalom's Restoration Journey, you will learn how this historic congregation restored and improved their main sanctuary’s wall paneling, decorative painting and impressive dome. With the help of architects Martin Rosenblum and Richard Winston, Congregation Rodeph Shalom of Philadelphia, PA, succeeded in enhancing and skillfully restoring their sacred space.

Congregations of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to share their stories. Please see the Guidelines for Submitting an Article for additional information.

Questions? Contact the Department of Synagogue Management at synagoguemgmt@urj.org or 212.650.4040.