47.8 F
New York
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Boston’s Last Remaining Immigrant-Era Synagogue Bldg Gets 21st Century Upgrade

Related Articles

-Advertisement-

Must read

First renovation since its construction 100 years ago

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The Vilna Shul, Boston’s last remaining immigrant-era synagogue building, announced last week that completion of phase I of a major renovation project at the building, which will provide significantly more ground floor space and flexibility for the nonprofit cultural center and museum to host its ever-growing list of year-round programming and community events. The Vilna Shul raised $4 million for the design and renovation project which began in October 2018, and was completed in December 2019.

The Vilna Shul, Boston’s last remaining immigrant-era synagogue building, announced last week that completion of phase I of a major renovation project at the building, which will provide significantly more ground floor space and flexibility for the nonprofit cultural center and museum to host its ever-growing list of year-round programming and community events. The Vilna Shul raised $4 million for the design and renovation project which began in October 2018, and was completed in December 2019.

Phase I of the historic building’s renovation included a complete excavation and reinforcement of the ground floor to create several multi-purpose rooms; ADA-compliant restrooms and a lift to the second floor sanctuary; and a new, stairless main entrance and walkway on the side of the building. The Vilna Shul also made significant improvements to the ground-floor kitchen to support modern catering services while incorporating the building’s original stove. Other highlights of the project include restored woodwork on the community room bimah, new air conditioning and climate control, and state-of-the-art A/V equipment throughout the building.

“The Vilna Shul is a gathering place and educational resource for everyone: Jews, art and history enthusiasts, students, tourists and others who want to learn about an important part of Boston’s history and understand how diverse cultures and faiths are connected across generations,” said Barnet Kessel, Executive Director of The Vilna Shul. “The renovation ensures greatly improved accessibility through 21st century upgrades, and a welcoming space that serves as a vibrant community hub.”

Jewish immigrants from Vilnius, Lithuania, populated the north slope of Beacon Hill a century ago, establishing their place of worship first at 45 Phillips Street, and later at 18 Phillips Street. The building served the booming Jewish community for decades. However, much of the West End was destroyed in the 1950s by an urban renewal project, and as congregants left the area, the building fell into disrepair. Fast forward to 1995, The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, purchased the condemned structure with the goal of fundraising to bring the building back to life. The Vilna Shul began serving as a community venue for concerts, speaker series, films, and Jewish life-cycle events. By 2018, The Vilna Shul had secured sufficient funds to embark on the long-awaited phase I of renovation, leading us to today.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the generous support we have received to bring us to this exciting day,” said President of the Board Marilyn Lipton Okonow. “Not only is The Vilna Shul a landmark for Boston, Jewish and immigrant history, it’s also a treasure trove of stories and artifacts that connect us to the past, present and future. We look forward to continuing to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in the newly updated building to celebrate just how connected we all are.”

Fundraising is currently underway for phase II of the building’s renovation which will focus on the extensive restoration of three distinct layers of folk art murals that were discovered in the upstairs sanctuary in 2006. The original bottom layer of paint dates back to 1920 and depicts scenes of Rachel’s Tomb and the Cave of the Patriarchs. The second and third layers of paint were added on top of the original layer, covering it completely, sometime in the late 1920s and ’30s. During the second phase of renovation, conservators will work to remove the top two layers of paint to restore the original 1920s artwork that was painted in the tradition of early 1800s-era Eastern Europe. This phase will also include the refurbishment of the art and woodwork adorning the double front stairways, second floor landing and sanctuary, and the installation of motorized windows in the main sanctuary’s two skylights. A third fundraising initiative focused on establishing an endowment to ensure that the Vilna continues to enhance the Boston, Jewish, cultural landscape is planned after the building’s completion.

About The Vilna Shul

The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, is Boston’s only remaining immigrant-era synagogue building. Today, it serves as a cultural community center, educational resource and living museum with nearly 10,000 annual visitors and program participants. The Vilna Shul, located at 18 Phillips Street on Beacon Hill, is dedicated to preserving history by restoring the building; embracing Jewish life while building interfaith bridges; and providing the community with a vibrant gathering place for programming, partnerships, exhibitions and holiday/life-cycle celebrations. Please visit https://vilnashul.org/ to learn more.

balance of natureDonate

Latest article

- Advertisement -