Temple Emanu-El thanks Baptists; renovation done

With Five Points South blocked off by Birmingham police and FBI agents Saturday morning, Temple Emanu-El leaders carried their Torah scrolls through the streets back to the Jewish congregation's renovated synagogue.

Because of recent violence between Palestinians and Jews in Israel, the congregation asked for and received extra security for its procession.

"We're in prevention mode," said an FBI agent with Birmingham's Joint Terrorism Task Force, which used dozens of area police officers and FBI agents for its security force. "We're here to prevent anything from happening."

Temple Emanu-El members hugged, kissed and touched their sacred Scriptures as they were passed along through the crowd, watched closely by law enforcement officials.

Since June 9, 2001, Birmingham's Reform Jewish congregation had worshipped at Southside Baptist Church, which had welcomed the members and covered its gold-colored cross during Jewish services to avoid offending anyone. On Saturday, Temple Emanu-El held its final Sabbath service at Southside Baptist and gave a standing ovation to thank church members for their hospitality. The cross was not covered during the service.

The Rev. Steve Jones, pastor of Southside Baptist, said that during the 14 months of sharing worship space, the Jewish congregation may have shed some of its associations of the Christian cross with the persecution of Jews. "I think it came to represent something new, not something oppressive," Jones said.

"It was an indication of a growing comfort level," Rabbi Jonathan Miller, spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El since 1991, said of the cross' being left uncovered.

Miller said the Jewish congregation developed a deepened relationship with the church. "For us, it was a necessary place to meet," Miller said. "But it helped us grow spiritually and helped us look at the Christian world not as an adversary but as a spiritual partner."

Members of both congregations took part in the procession and in services at the church and the synagogue.

"It's given us a greater depth in our own faith," said Jesse Bates, a member of Southside Baptist Church.

"We have shown that people of different faiths can worship together in love and fellowship," said Jack Aland Jr., a member of Temple Emanu-El. "We discovered some friends we didn't know we had."

The $12.8 million renovation, demolition and rebuilding project restored the historic sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El and replaced the former office and educational building.

The temple has been renovated with new pews replacing the previous stadium-style seating. The stage has been lowered, with steps added in front. "It gives you a greater sense of community," Miller said.

A new chapel features Temple Emanu-El's original ark, an antique wood structure with stone Ten Commandments tablets. "It's wonderful to be able to build for the future, but preserve our history," Miller said.

Temple Emanu-El was founded in 1882 by early Jewish settlers to Birmingham. By 1886, membership had grown to 86 families and the first synagogue in the city was built at Fifth Avenue and 17th Street North. The sanctuary at 2100 Highland Ave. was built in 1914. The congregation has about 750 families.

The Jews and Baptists are looking forward to more joint programs, such as a Scripture study on Wednesday nights this fall that will look at the Hebrew Bible and its influence on the New Testament, Jones and Miller said.

The relationship between the church and temple has changed both congregations for the better, they said.

"So much goodwill has come from this," Jones said.

"It has helped people grow and see beyond their horizons," Miller said.

GREG GARRISON
News staff writer