CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
54. A Menorah on the Exterior of a Synagogue
QUESTION: During the restoration of the Rodef Shalom Temple in Pittsburgh, a seven branch menorah of terracotta in the facade above the main entrance of the Temple has been repaired. The menorah with its electric lights has been restored to its original condition. Is the menorah appropriate; may it be lit? (Stanley Rosenbaum, Pittsburgh PA)ANSWER: When the Rodef Shalom Temple was built in 1905, Hornbostel and Palmer sought to create an imposing modern synagogue appropriate for the status of the congregation. It is located on a main thoroughfare in the cultural center of Pittsburgh. They borrowed the historic symbol of Judaism, the menorah from the ancient Temple. As this is a Reform Congregation, they felt no hesitation about copying directly from the Temple of Solomon and adding other elements which are reminiscent of that Temple, such as the terracotta decorations which surround the building at roof level which remind us of the ancient pomegranates. More traditional synagogues have avoided any replication of objects of the ancient Temple, so a menorah in a traditional synagogue would have six, eight or nine branches, but never seven. In our Reform synagogue those restrictions do not need to be observed. The combination above the main entrance of the menorah along with the verse “My house shall be a house of worship for all people” (Is 56.7) visually emphasized Jewish traditions while also extending a welcome to the general community. The menorah is a appropriate; it may be lit on a regular basis.February 1991
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