The Joyce and Jerome Mack Sanctuary
Three hundred, sixty seats, none more than 50 feet from the Bima—this was the vision for our new Sanctuary. Wider and less deep than the Emerson Avenue facility, it is also twice as large, with capacity for 1200, including the Social Hall.
An 80-ton piece of steel runs across the width of the room (three cranes were needed to lift it), allowing for a column-free, intimate view of the Wasserman Bima from any angle.
No detail was overlooked in creating the perfect sanctuary experience. For example, the Rabbi and Cantor podiums and Stolberg Choir Loft, while conveyed from Emerson Avenue, were reversed in position when the architect smartly realized High Holiday sun, which filtered through glass windows, would be too hot on the Choir’s heavy robes.
Courtyards on either side of the Sanctuary heighten an awareness of a holy space within the outside world, through presence of light and space, and the introduction of nature. Color from native landscaping will be especially vivid in the fall, when most people visit the Synagogue.
The Mack Sanctuary also houses a Visionary Gifts Section. Those who have made major contributions to the Synagogue will be honored with reserved seating during High Holidays.
Wasserman Ark and Bima
Bathed in natural light, the Wasserman Ark is uniquely awe-inspiring. Like traditional structures, it faces East. But unlike its traditional counterparts, our Ark is free-standing, allowing congregants and guests to walk entirely around it.
Its pageantry is heightened by its curtain, accompanying wall hangings and Torah mantles, all
created by nationally recognized Jewish artist, Jeanette Kuvin Oren, and made of gold-
embroidered fabric.
The 25-foot, hand-made oval curtain hangs high above the Wasserman Ark and opens from the ceiling by remote switch. As Moses was with the Burning Bush, it is possible to be completely immersed in this sacred space, for dramatic and spiritual effect.
Ark Curtain and Tapestries
The ark curtain, accompanying wall hangings and Torah mantles, all created by nationally recognized Jewish artist, Jeanette Kuvin Oren, and made of gold-embroidered fabric.
The Ark curtain’s flame and saying (‘Y’hi or’, Let there be light) reflects the many ways light isused in the Bible and Jewish tradition. From creation and God’s appearance before Moses in theburning bush, to the New Tamid and Shabbat candles, light is a consistent symbol of the Divine.
The wall hangings on either side of the Ark reflect core Jewish values of compassion and love:the left, ‘Torat chayim v’ahavat chesed.’ (Torah guides us to a life of caring); the right, ‘Simshalom ba’olam’ (Grant universal peace).
Torah Mantles
Each of the Torah mantle patterns represents significant Biblical events: Creation, Jacob’s Dream, the Burning Bush, Miriam Leading the Israelites, the Still Small Voice and the Giving of the 10 Commandments at Sinai.
Our newest torah is a brand new torah donated by CNT Members Elaine and Jack Chernikoff and their son Neil Chernikoff, commissioned the first new Torah for CNT in loving memory of their son and brother Harvey Alan Chernikoff.
Ner Tamid (Eternal Light)
An Eternal Light (Ner Tamid) hangs above the ark, like every synagogue in existence. It is often associated with the menorah, the seven-branched lamp stand which stood in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is also associated with the continuously-burning incense altar which stood in front of the ark (see First Kings, chapter 6). Our sages interpreted the Ner Tamid as a symbol of God's eternal and imminent Presence in our communities and in our lives.
Where once the Ner Tamid was an oil lamp, as was the menorah which stood outside the Temple in Jerusalem, today most are fueled by either gas or electric l ightbulbs. There is at least one Ner Tamid, located at the Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda, Md., perpetually lit via a photovoltaic power source (solar). The Etermal Lights are never extinguished or turned off.
Prayer Above Ark
The Hebrew prayer above the ark reads:
"Oh House of Jacob, come let us walk by the light of the Lord"
Letizia Crying Room
With windows providing a clear view into the Mack Sanctuary, the Leitizia Crying Room allows
families with babies to enjoy Shabbat services in a comfortable, sound- and light-controlled
environment.
Emerson Avenue Front Doors
Our new campus has a treasured piece of our past: its Phyllis and Cal Lewis front doors.
The Emerson Avenue doors have since been refurbished and installed in the Mack Sanctuary on the far wall, out to the Kantor Courtyard. They serve as a stoic reminder of our history, and that our past is always woven into our future.
