Beth David Congregation

When choosing a synagogue or a congregation, there are lots of things we consider. Is the space conducive to prayer? Can I get a seat that I will be happy with? Is the community inviting and including or is it excluding?

When relating to the laws regarding the proper place, time and manner for prayer, the Talmud tells us: “A person should always pray in a house where there are windows.” (B. Berachot 31a, 34b). What is the purpose of these windows?

Rashi (11th century, France) suggests that windows can assist concentration and inspiration, as the supplicant looks heavenward during prayer. According to this approach the windows should be placed so that those praying can look at them during the service. When we look through our Falk Sanctuary windows, we can see heaven and the Gordon School’s playground; We can perceive God’s immensity and intensity, and at the same time see our kids playing in a Jewish environment. That is a real inspiration.

Rabbeinu Yona Gerondi (13th century, Spain) also suggests that the windows are aimed at improving application during prayer, albeit by a different means: Windows allow light to filter into the synagogue and this has a calming effect on those present, allowing them to concentrate on their prayers.

Elsewhere in the Talmud, we are instructed to pray with our eyes lowered toward the ground and our hearts raised heavenward (B. Yevamot 105b). Rabbi Avraham Abele Gombiner (17th century, Poland) suggests that the rule requires lowered eyes during prayer. However, if we lose concentration, we are advised to fleetingly look through the windows heavenward in order to refocus our meditation.

Beth David’s windows serve as a stimulus to bring us back to the task of heartfelt prayer, Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Hasadim, learning, sincere prayer and acts of loving kindness.

Let Beth David be an open window to the future for you.