2 – “May You Be Blessed as You Enter and as You Depart”
Unveiled September 2019 at building post-renovation reopening as part of the Sam & Gina Shapiro Entry Plaza
Based upon Deuteronomy 28:6
Designed by Andy Akard, Architect
Medium: Metal
“Blessed shall you be in your coming and blessed shall you be in your going,” a verse in Deuteronomy (28:6) tells us, if we are faithful to God’s commandments. What better place to explore the meaning and significance of our tradition as well as our relationship with God and mitzvot than in the synagogue? As we enter the Shapiro Entry Plaza, the words of this verse instill the hope that we will realize the blessings of growth, learning, and spiritual reward within the walls of our congregation, as well as experience a community where welcome, acceptance and belonging await us each time we enter through Temple Sinai’s doors.
Reflection from Pam Sugarman:
This welcoming entry was completed in 2019, just months before the worldwide Pandemic, and the words of blessing framing the plaza offered an ideal greeting for people when it was finally safe to return.
The hopes captured in the captured in the blessing reflect principles that have been in our congregation’s kishkes since our founding and were re-affirmed during Sinai’s culture of belonging initiative in 2022: Temple Sinai is a place where the warmth and wisdom of Jewish teachings, the wonders of nature, and intentional architectural spaces provide all who enter the beautiful gift of living Jewishly.
Like Abraham’s, our tent is open to all, reflected from the outset in the physical approach to the building that invites people of differing physical abilities to enter together, and this welcome plaza is but one way we strive to ensure that each person at Temple Sinai feels noticed, named and known. With the expressed hope that all who enter find blessing, we work to create settings in which individuals, at every stage of our lives, will develop friends, experience a relational community, and find ways to be active participants in the life of the congregation.
Temple Sinai is our community, our Jewish home, and it is our genuine hope that sincere blessings will welcome all who enter as well as accompany you as you depart.
