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Bricks and Mortals Networking Event!
Join us for our next Networking Event on Thursday, November 7th 5:30 - 7:30pm. The event will be held at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah.
Meet and connect with other faith leaders and members of the real estate community in New York City.
Entrance for Bricks and Mortals Members is included with Membership.
Members of the faith community who are not Bricks and Mortals Members are eligible for a reduced entry fee of $10. Please request a code for this discount at info@bricksandmortals.org.
Bricks and Mortals is a citywide interfaith organization dedicated to sustaining opportunities for faith-based organizations amid the costly and challenging landscape of operating in New York City.
Our core purpose is to ensure that faith-based organizations have the knowledge, connections, access to resources, and advocacy they need to: Manage their real estate properties in service of their missions and communities; Understand and address new realities that affect faith communities and their real estate; Build resilience; and, Take charge of building their own legacy.
Revitalizing Houses of Worship
Architects are drawing on their Jewish heritage to revitalize synagogues and Jewish communities facing challenges like aging buildings, declining membership, and the need for modern security measures. These architects are balancing aesthetics, historical memory, and functionality, turning synagogues into multipurpose community hubs. Projects in places like the U.S., U.K., and Germany showcase approaches ranging from renovations that brighten and expand spaces to completely new constructions that blend modern design with respect for the past. At the renovated Ansche Chesed synagogue, the space now doubles as a community center and accommodates bar-mitzvah luncheons, lectures and even gymnastics in its new social hall. These efforts aim to adapt Jewish spaces for evolving communal needs.
Religious Hate and Resilience
Antisemitic incidents surged by over 60% in 2023, affecting Jewish Americans, who represent 2% of the population but were the targets of 16% of hate crimes, according to the FBI. Representatives Kathy Manning and Jared Moskowitz are pushing for stronger federal policies, including the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would establish a position in the White House to coordinate federal efforts to counter antisemitism across various agencies and to conduct a study that analyzes the prevalence of online antisemitic content.
The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin has continued to recover and thrive 12 years after the 2012 mass shooting that killed six people. The community has rebuilt itself, maintaining traditions like offering free meals (langar) to the public, while still remembering the tragedy. Immigration, identity, and community resilience are central to the temple’s role in the lives of its members.
Observing Holidays
Park Avenue Synagogue marked Rosh Hashanah by featuring Broadway performers singing “Seasons of Love” from Rent, reflecting on a challenging year that included the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. Rabbi Batsheva Meiri and Cantor Azi Schwartz emphasized the song's message of love and hope amidst hardship. The performance, blending Jewish tradition with Broadway, aimed to offer solace and connection beyond traditional prayers.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s synagogues plan to proceed with Yom Kippur services through significant damage and challenges. Rabbi Batsheva Meiri of Congregation Beth HaTephila has encouraged congregants to prioritize self-care, even giving them permission to forgo the fast. The storm caused extensive damage, leaving residents without water and power, but both synagogues are providing resources like portable toilets and bottled water. The holiday’s services will focus on community healing, reflecting the resilience of Asheville’s Jewish community amidst adversity.
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