The Milstein Sanctuary was dedicated during Hanukkah, 2000. It is designed to surround the worshipper with light and with the words that create worlds.
The Sanctuary’s design makes the service accessible to each of us in many ways. While the Bimah is relatively low, the eye is directed upward to the Ark where the Torah scrolls containing our sacred texts are housed.
The Cantor’s lectern is located on the same level as the pews, so that worship may come from within the congregation.
A private ramp permits dignified handicapped access to the Bimah, and there is a sound-enhancement system with headsets for the hearing impaired.
Our Sanctuary is surrounded by
stained glass windows, which were designed especially for our space. The words of Torah in illuminated glass on the windows,color, but do not block, our view of the world of nature outside.
They convey an idea central to Judaism: that words create worlds. It is particularly appropriate to remind ourselves of this creative power of words in a place of prayer, because when we pray we use words to repair our inner worlds. These words on the windows remind us also that we are here to listen to words that will inspire the repair of the outer world.
THE ARK: Together our stained glass windows point toward the Ark, the repository of our most sacred words. Directly over the Ark is an inscription from Psalm 36:
