Rabbi Guttman and Temple Emanuel

In the above photo, you see Rabbi Fred Guttman, arms outstretched with exuberance,  explaining the symbolism found in the sanctuary, at the Jewish festival held at Temple Emanuel last Sunday. During his hour presentation, Rabbi Guttman provided an historical over of the Jewish religion. He has worked so much with interfaith councils that he knows how to make people of all religious backgrounds feel welcome. In less than an hour, attendees learned the historical significance of the numbers 1-18 and how they were incorporated into the construction of the sanctuary. For example, there are 18 square cutout windows in the upper circle, because the number 18 symbolizes "chai" or "life." The architect wanted to put 14 windows but ended up reworking his plans to include 18 windows, at the request of Rabbi Guttman. 

The City of Greensboro insisted that the temple be surrounded by trees, which are ever present through the windows to the left and ever a reminder of nature's beauty. If you are interested at all in learning about Judaism, an hour with Rabbi Guttman will be an hour well spent. Greensboro has a lot of religious diversity and it helps to appreciate this diversity. In this department, in his work with NCCJ and beyond, Rabbi Guttman sets a good example.

Comments

[Dina]

Here's to life, lechaim. And to peace among men.

[William Kendall]

There's only one synagogue here within reasonable reach of me- the others are all in outlying areas. I should really pay a visit, even for the photographic opportunities.