New Synagogue Opens in
Vienna
In February
2004 the first Progressive Jewish Synagogue in the history
of Vienna opened its gates at Robertgasse 2, in the
traditionally Jewish Second District.
You may
wonder what's so special about that, after all there quite
number of synagogues in Vienna, but this is a progressive
community which differs from the orthodox tradition on
number of important points: It is open to modern ideas and
practices complete equality for men and women; men and women
sit and pray together and there is even a women Rabbi, Irit
Shillor who is Israeli but has lived in England for over 20
years. Prayers are in Hebrew, German and English using
modern prayer books. Visitors from other religions are
welcome, and great importance is attached to interfaith
dialogue.
Back in
1990 a small but dedicated group of Jews decided to form the
city's first progressive community, aimed at bringing New
Light into Jewish life of the city, hence the name Or
Chadasch (Hebrew for "new light"). Or Chadasch is a member
of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (the largest
religious Jewish movement in the world) and celebrates all
Jewish festivals, as well as organizing study groups,
cultural activities, excursions and editing a Jewish
magazine.
The
community has survived many difficulties and now a
turning-point has come with the new premises in the
Robertgasse, which apart from the beautiful prayer room also
have a study room, office and small kitchen. Although much
has been achieved there is still much to be done, as the
financial means available are not sufficient to cover the
cost of equipping the synagogue and paying a full-time
Rabbi, which will be a necessary pre-requisite to fill the
new building with life. At the moment the Rabbi is only in
Vienna for one week every month.
Great
efforts are being made to raise money, and one of the most
exciting was a charity concert in the Ronacher Theater on 15
March 2004 at which a number of top artists including Neil
Shicoff donated their time to offer a program called
"Entartete Musik" (music banned by the Nazis) covering a
wide spectrum of Jewish music. It was a wonderful
evening, and for a good cause!
If you
would like to know more about Or Chadasch and the new synagogue, contact us at
orchadasch@hotmail.com
Bewegung für progressives Judentum