2007 - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

GOLD
TEMPLE EMANUEL
Over 900
Newton, MA
Submitted by Ellen Zarrow-Nissenbaum 617-558-8100
Temple Emanuel, Newton has a long history of connection and promotion to Judaica Arts. Our original building,
situated on Ward Street in Newton, was a colonial building, which fit into the architecture of the surrounding
community and was adorned with Judaica art that befitted the decor of that structure. The decorative accents above the
entranceway, which depicted the tablets of the Ten Commandments, the mezuzot, the ark in the main sanctuary, and the
display cases outside the sanctuary, all enhanced the artistic appreciation of the synagogue. The smaller chapel’s outer
wall was composed of four stained glass windows with illuminated symbols of the major holidays. A large embroidered
tapestry of Judaic symbols, created by Sisterhood women for the synagogue graced the foyer. There was also a Judaica
Shop and display cases, which displayed beautiful items of Judaica, flanking the main sanctuary doors.
1996, Temple Emanuel renovated the old facility creating an entirely new structure. The challenge was to
maintain some familiarity with the old Temple Emanuel within a modern structure. This was achieved by keeping some
of the old architectural elements and placing them conspicuously in the new building. The Ten Commandments lintel
had a new home on the upper foyer wall of the new entrance. The tapestry was placed on the rear entrance wall, which
is easily viewed from the second floor near the chapel as well as the front office and by all who leave the synagogue by
that exit. The main sanctuary ark was preserved and stands in the small chapel, while the four stained glass windows
became the basic design element of an octagonal shape for the chapel. The new home of the stained glass windows
allowed the placement of display window cases to be placed into five of the outer walls of the octagonal chapel. The
center case houses our Holocaust scroll, which is removed each year for the Yom Hashoah service. The four other
window display cases are maintained by Sisterhood as the Sisterhood Museum.
GOLD
TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM
Over 900
Roslyn Heights, NY
Submitted by Bat-sheva Slavin 516-621-2288
About Us: Temple Beth Sholom was founded in 1951, The Judaica Museum was established in 1969 under the direction
of our founding Rabbi, Rabbi Mo S. Hyams. The Museum’s main gallery is located in the Temple’s lobby, and a second
Art Gallery is in the Wingate Center. The Museum exhibits may be viewed during temple regular business hours,
Without entree fee.
Mission: Temple Beth Sholom Judaica Museum’s mission is to present Judaica visual objects that signify the
observances of Judaism, the history of the Jewish people, and the vision of the modern State of Israel. Our mandate is to
maintain, and increase a rich and important Judaica collection. Through educational programs and experiences that seek
to preserve, explore and celebrate Jewish values and traditions. Our purpose is to connect the community to Jewish
heritage and help develop a deeper understanding of the Jewish experience for people of many backgrounds.
Permanent Collection: Temple Beth Sholom Judaica Museum’s collection of artifacts is from the Diaspora:
Egypt, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Israel-Modern and antiquities, Morocco, Poland, Russia and Yemen.
The collection includes: silver ceremonial objects, fiber art, ceramics, wood work; sacred scrolls and books, paintings,
fine art, photographs and many more.
Highlights:
“The Tree of Life Schtender” by David Moss and Noah Greenberg
Collection of antique and modern Tzedakah (Charity) Boxes
Major collection of antique and modern Chanukah Menorahs
Hagaddah from the I7 th century, from Florence, Italy
Activities: Temple Beth Sholom Judaica Museum presents four original exhibitions annually. The summer
exhibition is drawn exclusively from the collection. The other exhibitions are based on year- long themes, and may
include traveling exhibitions and loans from other institution, artists, and private collections.
The museum sponsors Exhibition Openings and programs that feature: Meet the Artist Receptions, Lectures,