TAU to Get Synagogue
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TAU to Get Synagogue
TAU -- the world’s biggest Jewish university, is to receive a synagogue for the
first time. The Cymbalista Synagogue and Cultural Center will be designed by
world-famous Swiss architect Mario Botta, who especially flew to Israel to
present plans of the project to Tel Aviv municipality and to the University.
The complex will function both as a synagogue and as a center for learning
and debate, aimed at fostering discussion and bridging the gap between the
religious and secular sectors. TAU Governor Mr. Norbert Cymbalista of
Switerland, the Center’s donor and an international real estate developer said:
"The Rabin assassination, like nothing else in Israeli history, has shown us the
dangers of a lack of communication in this society. I hope this Center will help
begin a process that is a necessary part of Israel’s identity and even its
existence."
The building’s designer, Mario Botta of Switzerland, is internationally
recognized as one of the most important architects in the world today. His
latest projects include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Evry
Cathedral in France, and the Tokyo Art Gallery. This project will be Botta’s
first synagogue and his first building in Israel.
Referring to the twin structures of the building, Botta said that "they express
the current situation in Israel. The message I am relaying in this work is found
not only in the stone, hewn from the rock of this land, but also in the structure
comprising two identical heads, one secular and one religious, that
characterize this country. I know very little about you, but sometimes one
does not need so much knowledge, and intuition suffices."
Botta emphasized the importance of light in his design. The twin turrets will be
illuminated by four skylights from the top. These will let in diffused light
which will change at different times of the day. At nightfall the windows will
shine red on the outside acting as a "beacon" for those who wish to escape
from the "consumerism of today." He added that he intended the Center to be
an "oasis" in the middle of a "bustling university."
The complex will comprise a synagogue, an auditorium for seminars, an
exhibition hall for Judaica from around the world, and a study room with a
library and state-of-the-art computer facility.
Model of Cymbalista Synagogue and Cultural Center
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