smac97 Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 Here: MORMON CHURCH EXTENDS THE SAME GENEROSITY AS THEIR JEWISH NEIGHBORS DID OVER 50 YEARS AGO. In March of 2014, the Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana, California, was the victim of an unexpected kitchen fire. The fire was caused by a broken refrigerator, and lead to severe damage of the Jewish synagogue’s sanctuary, as well as the holy ark, which contained many important artifacts, including several old and valuable torahs. The congregation was suddenly left without anywhere to go, and they began a fundraising effort to rebuild their synagogue that cost over 7 million dollars. The building was recently finished, allowing the congregation to finally hold meetings again. But what’s so interesting about this story is who supported Temple Beth Sholom during their time of crisis. A local chapter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints heard of the synagogue’s plight, and offered to host the congregation while their new building was under construction. Luckily, Jewish services took place on Friday night, and LDS services on Sundays, so sharing the facility was a smooth process. The Mormon church generously provided the congregation with the space needed to continue meeting and holding their services and events. They were very sympathetic to their plight, as Temple Beth Sholom had actually housed the Mormon congregation over five decades ago when their building was under construction, providing the same level of generosity. Members of the two congregations even bonded over this new shared religious space. This was great for the morale of both congregations and lead to new friendships and understanding of one another’s traditions. ... Losing their meeting place, which symbolized this strength and connection, was devastating. Luckily, the Mormon church had minimal Christian symbolism in its sanctuary, and the interior was similarly colored to the original Jewish synagogue, so members of the Jewish congregation felt right at home in the environment. The Mormon leaders were also extremely gracious and focused on helping the congregation in their time of need. ... The congregation of Temple Beth Sholom is extremely grateful to have finally returned home. The new sanctuary is representative of the strength of the congregation and its leaders, as well as the generosity of those who took them in during a difficult time, including their neighbors from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Who'd a thought that the Church's generally minimalist iconography would have had such a nice side effect? Thanks, -Smac 1
jkwilliams Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 When I was growing up, the local Jewish temple used our meetinghouse for worship during the high holidays for the same reason: lack of iconography.
Garden Girl Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 When I was growing up, the local Jewish temple used our meetinghouse for worship during the high holidays for the same reason: lack of iconography. In my ward, this is true only in the chapel.... in all the hallways the walls are lined with pictures of the Savior, particularly one very large print of the "Second Coming" (my favorite).The Rel Soc room also has pictures of the savior and one very beautiful print of the ten virgins... GG
cinepro Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 Some local Jewish temples still use our Stake Center in suburban Los Angeles each year. They come in and take down all the artwork in the hallways at the start of the week, and then put it back up at the end of the week. 1
bluebell Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 In my ward, this is true only in the chapel.... in all the hallways the walls are lined with pictures of the Savior, particularly one very large print of the "Second Coming" (my favorite).The Rel Soc room also has pictures of the savior and one very beautiful print of the ten virgins... GG I think that's how all church buildings are (at least, i've never been in one that didn't have a lot of pictures in most of the church except the gym and chapel). I think that Jewish people only use those two rooms for their services though so that's why it works. 1
Storm Rider Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 I think what was important is that the chapel was not adorned with paintings, iconography, etc., thus allowing an easy flow between Sabbath meetings for both groups. I am sure the hallway pictures were something that the Jewish people could more easily accept and tolerate for during the reconstruction of their temple/synagogue.
cinepro Posted September 12, 2015 Posted September 12, 2015 In my ward, this is true only in the chapel.... in all the hallways the walls are lined with pictures of the Savior, particularly one very large print of the "Second Coming" (my favorite).The Rel Soc room also has pictures of the savior and one very beautiful print of the ten virgins... GG If you ever have to loan your building to a Jewish temple, just put a caption under that picture saying "The First Coming". 1
Ahab Posted September 12, 2015 Posted September 12, 2015 Not much of a clash, really. Our religion is based on the same foundation as the Jewish religion with them just not knowing that our Savior is their Messiah. For a true test of friendship we should see how well we would put up with Baptists in one of our buildings. Or better yet Jehovah's Witnesses.
Garden Girl Posted September 12, 2015 Posted September 12, 2015 Not much of a clash, really. Our religion is based on the same foundation as the Jewish religion with them just not knowing that our Savior is their Messiah.For a true test of friendship we should see how well we would put up with Baptists in one of our buildings. Or better yet Jehovah's Witnesses. When my Lincoln City ward was being expanded, we met in the JW church because they met on Saturday and their chapel was free on Sunday. I don't know if we've ever reciprocated in the past and allowed them to use our chapel. GG
cinepro Posted September 13, 2015 Posted September 13, 2015 When my Lincoln City ward was being expanded, we met in the JW church because they met on Saturday and their chapel was free on Sunday. I don't know if we've ever reciprocated in the past and allowed them to use our chapel. GG If they met on Saturdays and their church had windows, it was probably a Seventh-day Adventist congregation. 1
Garden Girl Posted September 13, 2015 Posted September 13, 2015 When my Lincoln City ward was being expanded, we met in the JW church Seventh-Day Church *because they met on Saturday and their chapel was free on Sunday. I don't know if we've ever reciprocated in the past and allowed them to use our chapel. GG *Edit... I'm sorry, I meant Seventh-Day Adventist... not Jeh Wit... don't know why I type JW... GG
Garden Girl Posted September 13, 2015 Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) If they met on Saturdays and their church had windows, it was probably a Seventh-day Adventist congregation. You're right... I corrected my previous post... don't know why I typed JW... of course it was SDA... doesn't JW churches have windows? Never noticed... GG Edited September 13, 2015 by Garden Girl
BookofMormonLuvr Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 JW buildings are "Kingdom Halls" not "churches"FYI
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