Salem's Temple Beth Sholom treks away from growing pains
By Toshio Suzuki
article created on:
The cities of Eugene and Salem are growing quickly enough that in recent years it has been unclear which city is the second most populous in Oregon. Since at least 2000 it has been Crater Lake-clear to the congregants of Salem's Temple Beth Sholom that they needed a larger space to support their growing Jewish community.
With the blowing of shofars on Sept. 17, congregants of TBS and guests invited from the entire West Coast will leave the 57-year-old brick synagogue for a 5.2 mile Torah Trek to their new home, which happens to have more than three times the square-footage.
As the lone Jewish synagogue in Oregon's capital, the Reconstructionist TBS is very inclusive, partly by necessity and partly out of philosophy, said recently elected President Francine Shetterly.
"We're very accepting of differences and views," said Shetterly, adding that in ritual and practice, however, the congregation is more closely aligned with the Reform and Conservative movements.
Similar to the birth of many congregations in Oregon, TBS began with initial meetings occurring in the homes of a few. After WWII in 1947, 36 donors raised $18,000; enough to construct a permanent home north of downtown Salem. Now boasting numbers such as 140 membership units, 20,000-square-feet, and a $1.6 million capital campaign, TBS is preparing for the future of Judaism in Salem.
Between the organization of a record capital campaign and the impending move to the soon-to-be-former Our Savior's Lutheran Church were several years of growing pains that saw TBS housing education classes all over Salem.
Initially, TBS board members intended to implement an expensive upgrade and remodel of the current synagogue. Shetterly said the remodel was nearing reality when they became aware of a church for sale that happened to be designed by the same architect they had chosen for their redesign.
"It was a sea change to move to the option of purchasing a church," said Shetterly. She also said that besides being less expensive than the remodel, a larger space that loses the charming but close-knit stigma of the old synagogue might make it easier to entice more unaffiliated new Jews in the community.
All members of the community, Jew or gentile, are invited to watch the Torah Trek parade. Organizer Dave Sherman said there will be as many as five pit-stops along the route, musical performances and child-size Torahs to go along with the two 35-pound treasures that will be carried by any and all who wish.
"I'm sure it will be emotional," said Havas of the move that will culminate years of work for many TBS members.
At least congregants will have plenty to keep them busy as they make their change of residence final. Sept. 2 will mark the last service at the TBS on Broadway, two weeks before the Torah Trek to TBS on Cunningham. Once the move is done, it is less than one week before TBS will celebrate their first High Holidays in their new home.
A complete listing of current and historical information on TBS and the upcoming Torah Trek can be obtained at www.tbstorahtrek.com.