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]
That’s great that you are so visual and so inspired by aesthetics- I am as well, but imagine for a moment that those things that bring you so much joy do not matter to everyone. There’s plenty of evidence on this site alone. Some people really do not care.
When I said “beautiful”, 12:29, I was including the very simple, austere churches and temples built all over the world, 12:29. I wasn’t only talking about the Vatican. When you go to worship you’re supposed to benefit in some way emotionally, not feel worse as you walk in the door! The one and only reason for religion these days is it should make people more happy. Otherwise it’s not necessary anymore in our world. We have laws, we know what to do and not to do. We know not to eat food that will make us sick. So why have religion unless we are inspired and made happy by that religion?
Look at the Shakers and traditional New England protestants. Their churches were not the cathedrals the Catholics built. They made everything by hand cheaply. But their aesthetics have influenced countless furniture designers and architects for a very long time. It’s not always expensive to make something beautiful. Again, I assert it’s all about the attitude and intent with which the building was designed and constructed. And this is the most oppressive and miserable building they could have possibly built.
“neighborhood”? you mean the gas station? 🙂
well, it’s clear the Satmars are not looking to dazzle anybody with architectural eye candy.
but is this any less creative than the Lubavitchers recreating the same townhouse (770 Eastern Parkway) all over the world? well, yeah i guess it still is.
Oh, did they break building codes? Sorry- I thought it was a fashion police moment. That’s not right.
Hey, weren’t the beautiful old churches built by oppressing people and taking all their money? I thought it was a class thing. I understand that “the idea” was to make a palace for everyone- but I don’t think that the people who attended would be treated like royalty. I am not an authority and I am sure that it shows. Without a doubt we will have a history of religion scholar in the house. Ah, I’ve been sucked in.
I like 12:16’s deeper thought of religion and the role it now plays but I think this really is about the fact that people think that the building is ugly- which of course it is….. does it really matter?
I feel less worried for the children who frequent this building. I assume that the finished facade came with the required FDNY and DOB inspections and both agencies have deemed the building fit for its intended.
Thanks… I guess.
Guest 12:00–the beauty of organized religion (something upon which we’re not going to agree) does not release said religion from complying with building codes.
Yes it’s a place of worship. Which is why it gives the impression people attend this place out of oppressive duty, not inspired passion. Which impression would you like your place of worship to give?
It used to be communities made great effort for their churches to be the most beautiful building in the town. This is about changing attitudes about religion, and questioning what benefit or role religion really plays now; it’s not merely about aesthetics.
Hm. Shall we get this out of the way early?
This building is ugly = YOU ARE A NAZI!
Anonymous trolls = BROWSTONER LOVES THE KKK!
DOB violations = OH NOES!!! ANTI-SEMITISM!
Political sway = BURN IN HELL, YOU RACIST FUCK!
Hope this helps.