Page 61 - Satan in the Sanctuary

The Jerusalem Great Synagogue—A Halfway House? 63

world in this effort, stressing to those of Europe who lost so
many synagogues in the holocaust that this is the way to
rebuild. They ask that this edifice not be the result of the
generosity of a few, but rather the heartfelt donation of the
Jewish people of the world to "those who dwell in Zion."

STONES OF GOLD
The Great Synagogue will accommodate large crowds but
at the same time not sacrifice "the spirit of intimacy and
warmth which has always characterized the Divine services
in Jerusalem," according to the brochure. The sanctuary
will seat between six and seven hundred in the winter off-
season, when tourism drops, but can be expanded to accom-
modate fifteen hundred during the High Holy Days of the
other seasons. Women will be seated in a low balcony with
a clear view of the proceedings, according to the Orthodox
tradition. The acoustics of the auditorium will be of such
excellent nature that no electronic sound system will be nec-
essary in the building.
The committee has provided that all services will be con-
ducted in accordance with strict Orthodox rites, with dignity
and decorum befitting the setting and tradition. The finest
cantor (or "chanter" of prayers) and choir will be available
at all times. (Sacrificial worship, of course, would not be
included in the Orthodox rites in the Great Synagogue. As
we have seen, God provided for sacrifices only on the Temple
Mount itself.)
It should be appreciated that this beautiful building will
be very costly for Israel. Each single stone in the massive
edifice is said to cost one hundred dollars, and the interior
furniture and appointments will come to over two million
dollars! It is probable that the Great Jerusalem Synagogue
will truly surpass the grandeur of all synagogues of the world.