A Dream Realized... A Pledge Fulfilled
The following dedication appeared in the tribute book commemorating the dedication of Congregation Beth Abraham’s new sanctuary on September 12, 1971.
On this milestone occasion in the history of Carmel, as Temple Beth Hillel and Congregation Beth Abraham are married together, it is a fitting reminder of the vision, dedication, and devotion that makes the incredible legacy of Bridgeton’s historic synagogue an eternal one.
When it was decided to transfer the religious, educational, and cultural activities of Congregation Beth Abraham from their original locale in the heart of Bridgeton to a new site on Fayette Street, the congregation’s leaders made this pledge, that as soon as possible, the synagogue on Laurel Street would be replaced by a new house of worship. This pledge was never forgotten.
The primary concern of these dedicated men and women was, in the spirit of Jewish tradition, the instruction of their sons and daughters, and their grandchildren, Talmud Torah. With this in mind and heart, the first stage in what was to become the Beth Abraham complex was undertaken, and the Feinstein Memorial School was constructed, providing a modern school building, with bright and spacious classrooms, a kindergarten room and a library.
When, in the course of time, the Max C. Schrank Auditorium was completed, the congregation now had, in this multi-purpose accommodation, a room which stood out as the finest of its kind in the entire community. Here Shabbat, Festival, and Holy Day services were conducted. Here congregational and personal simchas were celebrated. Here some of the most important communal affairs were held. It was almost as though feats of magic were performed daily – converting and transforming the auditorium from synagogue to banquet hall to meeting rooms to community center for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and youth groups.
All the while, the dream was still being dreamed and the pledge was not forgotten. Throughout the years, the officers and board members of the congregation persisted in holding high the vision, nay, the obligation of a new sanctuary. As will happen, that vision, over the years, took on a variety of forms. Plans were made, plans were discarded. Shapes, sizes, styles, colors – all these were matters of “Divine contention”. The goal, however, was always in sight. When the die was finally cast, the decision finally reached, every step in drawing the plans, in laying brick on brick, was a matter of care and concern not only for the building committee but for all the congregation, young and old. When? How soon?
It was, of course, necessary to seek the wherewithal to meet the cost of the structure. There were individuals to solicit, parlor meetings to call. Everyone knew that this could not be an “empty” dream, and Beth Abraham proudly responded to the call. There were those who answered with very large generous sums. There were those who gave far more modestly. When the amount of pledges was totaled, it gave proof that the fulfillment was within reach.
Ground was broken on Purim day. Was this not a symbolic retort to all the Homans, of yesteryear and today, that “Am Yisroel Chai” – The People of Israel lives on in faith and in ·spirit and in devotion! The first worship services in the not-yet-completed synagogue were held during the High Holy Days, again symbolic of a congregation’s dedication to its heritage and to the promise of the future. Now, on the eve of another High Holy Day season, the men, women, and children of Beth Abraham have come to redeem their pledge, to fulfill their dream, as they dedicate their new sanctuary to the service of the Almighty.
As in every such venture, the burden of initiative, of planning, and of fruition was borne by a small, but sincerely dedicated group of leaders. The pride, the joy, and the promise are for all of us, and the blessing that will come from this house into the lives of all of us! As we look forward to the inauguration of the New Year 5732, and as· we see our dream realized and our pledge fulfilled, may God’s blessing be upon us, for life and for peace. “Blessed art Thou, Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who hath kept us in life and hast sustained us, and brought to this great day of dedication”. Amen.
