A New Sanctuary at Scarsdale Synagogue

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El safely welcomed hundreds of synagogue members and local residents during the weekend of December 3-5 to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah and to formally dedicate their newly renovated Sanctuary. The new Sanctuary, which has been several years in the making, updates the historic worship space that the congregation has gathered in for more than 50 years.

During the formal dedication service, which took place on Friday night December 3rd, Rabbi Jeffrey Brown and Cantor Chanin Becker noted that, “We gather here tonight, particularly cognizant that the term Hanukkah in Hebrew means ‘dedication.’ How fitting that we join together, both to commemorate the Maccabean rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem so long ago and rededicate ourselves to the work of our sacred community as we look ahead to the future.”

Highlights of the new Sanctuary space include:

• A flattened floor to ensure accessibility by synagogue attendees of all ages and physical abilities

• Walls featuring beautifully repurposed wood from the prior Sanctuary as a nod to the past as well as a strong environmental statement about the imperative of recycling

• Even larger windows that fill the room with light and highlight the community’s respect for the natural beauty of the surrounding world

• A striking ceiling fixture that invites peaceful reflection and meditation

• An enhanced multi-access audio-visual system for those who want to connect virtually

Temple President Michael Luskin observed that, “This evening’s Dedication marks a defining moment in the life of our synagogue. In the last 18 months, coinciding with the pandemic, hundreds of families in our community generously stepped forward to participate in our Capital Campaign. Defying anxiety about the state of uncertainty in our fragile world, our community stepped up, and dramatically invested in our congregation’s vibrant future.”

That future was on full display on Sunday December 5th, when the synagogue hosted a festive outdoor Hanukkah (and Sanctuary Dedication) party for young families in its burgeoning Mazel Tots Early Childhood Center and Religious School program. Cantor Becker and Rabbi Brown, in noting the unique relational connectedness that members experience in this 350 family congregation, expressed gratitude. Thanks to the holiday and Dedication, masked members of all ages had a good excuse to joyfully come together to celebrate.

For more information, to schedule an interview with the clergy or to tour the new Sanctuary, call Temple Administrator Fawn Mendel at 914.725.5175 or email her at [email protected].

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El strives to be a sacred community where members feel connected, engaged and enlightened.