Kent Synagogue Gets an Exterior Finish - Finally!
And so it ends. After sitting for a year without a proper exterior, the honchos at the Kent Avenue Synagogue have finally put an outer coat on the three-story house of worship. Finally. Kent Synagogue Starts to Clean Up Its Act [Brownstoner] GMAP Kent Avenue Synagogue: What a Shame [Brownstoner] Sin-A-Gog Outrage: This Is Getting…
And so it ends. After sitting for a year without a proper exterior, the honchos at the Kent Avenue Synagogue have finally put an outer coat on the three-story house of worship. Finally.
Kent Synagogue Starts to Clean Up Its Act [Brownstoner] GMAP
Kent Avenue Synagogue: What a Shame [Brownstoner]
Sin-A-Gog Outrage: This Is Getting Ridiculous [Brownstoner]
Synagogue Needs Some Skin, Baby! [Brownstoner]
Actually, they may not be as deep pocketed as you think. Many receive public assistance and housing subsidies to support their large families. In addition, this was built as a place of worship for one faction of a congregation that split in two when the patriach died. The sons are now fighting over control.
I agree 2:05.The Hasidim can afford anything they please. They could care less about their exteriors. I grew up in Williamsburg and the norm was that the exteriors of their homes were never kept up or repaired but once you entered their homes,they had the best of everything…granite countertops, top of the line appliances and 2 at that, kosher and non kosher,chandeliers,furniture, clothes,etc. If they wanted to make the entire building gold, trust me it would be.The location of this building is across from the navy yard and a gas station.The few homes located a few blocks over on Kent are owned by Hasidim as well. Nothing much in the area anyhow so why all the fuss?
If this building were aesthetically pleasing, it would be out of place because everything else over there is ugly. Every time I drive through it’s just depressing. The el train, trolley tracks, city housing projects, BQE noise and fumes, double and triple parked cars, dark dingy looking buildings, etc…
The structure has a certain, deconstructivist aesthetic akin to that seen in the Centre Pompidu in Paris. The exposed ductwork on the roof and the metal staircase without, clearly displayed as a daring response to the classical form of houses of worship or religious activity. This sect is letting it all hang out, architecturally speaking. better proportions and bolder colors might have saved this building from looking like an airport hanger/kwansit hut melee. But then it’s not too late to change a few details.
This community has no money; not sure what they should be obliged to do…
No bars on the windows?
When’s the domey thing going on the top?
I didn’t say that people hate all things beautiful, I said that some people don’t care. There are many other things that are defining forces in people’s lives- like their relationship with their maker. There is plenty of evidence that the people in question are not driven by aesthetics- if they were you would see it- guaranteed.
There are plenty people who have neither the time or inclination to make their own home some kind of showcase, but that doesn’t mean they hate all things beautiful. That’s absurd. Everyone certainly enjoys beauty when they encounter it. They can visit it at the park, they can go to a museum. Sometimes it’s as simple as keeping a potted flower. Church or temple on Sabbath was always one of the days of the week throughout history, people could escape the drudgery of everyday life and labor, and enjoy inspiration and something beautiful. I think it’s sad that experience is witheld from the people of this temple.