‘The realisation of a dream’
MPs, councillors and Jewish communal leaders were among the guests at the opening of Central Synagogue's new Paul and Eva Lederer Youth Campus and Art Garden.
CENTRAL Synagogue’s new Paul and Eva Lederer Youth Campus and Art Garden was officially opened by Wentworth MP Dave Sharma last Sunday.
The new development houses two libraries, an art gallery, a playground, a grass area, an amphitheatre, a quiet courtyard and an aspirational youth leadership wall.
The outdoor area is replete with references to Jewish history, culture and Israel, including a Western Wall replica, Judaic artworks, a Torah wall depicting Jewish literature, a Jewish heritage timeline and large sculptures scattered throughout.
“It is the culmination of years of planning and the realisation of a collective dream – a dream to offer a modern, multipurpose, Judaica-inspired safe space to our youth of all ages,” president Danny Taibel said.
“Central is built on three powerful foundations – spirituality, Jewish continuity, and Zionism and a love for Israel. And we have captured all these principles in this new centre.”
In addition to the new campus being available to the shule’s youth on Shabbat and weekends, it will also be a mid-week hub for homework, research and socialising.
“And it will all take place in this magnificent informal setting, always in a very secure and warm Jewish environment,” Taibel said.
One library features a curated book collection for toddlers and younger readers, with a section for parents that includes resources on parenting. The other is for young adults with a range of interesting and relevant reading material.
The libraries can be used for other purposes including housing services on Shabbat.
The Judaica-filled art gallery will provide a space for synagogue members to hold kiddush lunches or life cycle event celebrations.
Outside, the youth leadership wall pays tribute to the younger generation who have made a significant commitment to the shule.
The unique sculptures were specifically created for the campus to allow the younger generation to explore their history and Yiddishkeit. Magen Shoah is a place for children to contemplate what the Shoah means to them today, while Unity Point focuses on Jewish identity and Israel-Diaspora relationships.
“Though primarily for the youngest members of our community, this is a space for all of us,” Taibel said.
Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton, Waverley councillors and Jewish communal leaders also attended the opening.
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