 |
| Sherith Israel Synagogue, San Francisco |
Walking around in the Filmore the neighbourhood, we saw a magnificent building and we went to explore it.
 |
| Lobby of the Synagogue |
The building is called Sherith Israel Synagogue. It has been placed on the National register of Historic Places by the Department of the Interiors.
 |
| The Hall of History is located on the main floor of the synagogue |
We were not able to go in for a tour on the day we went to enquire about it.
However, one weekday a week at 2:00p.m. - a free guided tour is offered to the public to come and learn about this building's history.
We went back the next afternoon and took the tour.
There were a few people who were at this tour.
 |
| Interior of the synagogue dome |
A member of the congregation from the synagogue, Alan was our tour guide for this afternoon's tour.
He has a personal connection to this Jewish temple and is knowledgeable about the history of the Jewish people and their place of worship in San Francisco.
 |
| We had a guided tour of the synagogue. |
Our guide explained to us about the history and design of the building.
This building was so well designed and built that while many other buildings were in ruins after the 1906 earthquake, this synagogue was one of the few still standing without much damage.
It was also able to withstand the second earthquake in 1989.
 |
| Many beautiful stain glass works placed throughout the entire building. |
There are many beautiful stain glass windows throughout the building, each with a biblical reference.
 |
| The spacious and beautiful sanctuary at Shearith Israel Synagogue |
The sanctuary is spacious and beautiful.
One particular stained glass window I really like is the one with Moses holding the two stone tablets with the ten commandments on them.
According to the bible, Moses was supposed to have descended from Mount Sanni. But at the background of this stain glass is in fact Yosemite Mountain, symbolizing the Jewish people are in fact entering US as their promised land and taking roots in their new country and feeling belonged, a new beginning for them. An hopeful, inspiring and optimistic message
 |
| A spectacular piece of stained glass about Moses entering the promised land in the Shearith Israel Synagogue, San Francisco |
 |
| The ark in the Shearith Israel Synagogue, SF, USA |
The coolest thing for me was learning and looking at an actual ark in the synagogue!
In my mind, I always thought and learned previously that the ark was a mobile box carried by the Israelites wherever they went.
 |
| Some special Torahs being stored in an ark at the synagogue |
This was the first time I had a close up look of an actual ark fixed on the wall like a cabinet.
 |
| A special Toran inside the ark of this synagogue |
Within the ark, we saw some special torahs used for different special occasions.
The tour was supposed to be from 2p.m. - 3p.m. But we had an hour and half long tour instead.
It was a most interesting and educational tour I ever had at a place of worship. We enjoyed the tour very much! A big thank you to Alan, our most patient and knowledgeable guide!
R.T.
Sherith Israel Synagogue
San Francisco
USA
20181212
No comments:
Post a Comment