Casting a mental glance at the past quarter of a century that has quickly flown by, one begins to understand with increasing clarity what a huge path the Beth Gavriel community has traveled for the sake of implementing its gigantic program. Starting with the acquisition of the center’s building in the late 1990s, the opening of a yeshivah in the early 2000s for its first 60 students, the number of whom has now reached 700—from preschoolers to high school students.
At the same time, a beautiful mikveh was built that strikes people with its skillful, creatively executed workmanship distinguished by a rational solution to several rather complex engineering problems. And, of course, the crowning glory of this multifaceted activity in creating a modern material base for our cultural and religious center was the construction of a new synagogue building—a special kind of project, both in form and content. Especially considering the specifics of the current historical period, humanity as a whole and world Jewry in particular have encountered a complex series of previously unseen global social contradictions. Today, the spiritual life of a person is experiencing colossal pressure from a host of difficult factors that plunge mankind into a state of prostration, nervous breakdowns, and sadly depression.
In this respect, a good example is family problems or the frantic growth of material temptations which at every step collide with the inability of people to reasonably correlate them with their real capabilities.
Against this background, the synagogue has been increasingly transforming before our eyes into a space that the Bukharian community will find familiar, amidst an environment of hope where one can find answers to personal troubles bringing a sense of consolation to our sometimes-perplexed souls, and ultimately free ourselves from arduous thoughts and life’s uncertainties.
Hence, it is not surprising that the incredible project for the construction of a new synagogue building took place after much deliberation and discussion. The stunning design heavily relied on the opinions of collective minds and carefully weighed real possibilities. The shul was designed according to the formula: “Once, but for centuries to come!” Of course, this project required not only the search for supplementary material reserves, updates and improvements on the design documentation, and the mobilization of enormous spiritual energy. The tremendous confidence stems from the aspirations of Beth Gavriel as one large family. It takes each of us into account – individually, personally, and as a complete unit – and the generations of tomorrow including our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Moreover, at the entrance to the synagogue, there will be a specially carved wall panel with the names of those who, with a labor of love, left a lasting memory on earth in the form of the breathtaking Beth Gavriel sanctuary. There are many hundreds of contributors because it is born of our brainchild and is the fruit of shared labor and warmed hearts that thrive on American soil. Our membership stands as a symbol of the devotion from a small Bukharian Jewish ethnic group to its centuries-old national and religious traditions. Based on a burning desire to preserve its identity and family values, without which there never was nor can be a strong home or a blood connection between generations. Therefore, our success in life is derived from mutual affection and devotion.
For months now, the finishing touches, which are most vital, have been ongoing. In many ways, these recent weeks have seen the most expensive part of the project. Those involved in the construction cherish each moment and their daily efforts have transformed into the central meaning of their day-to-day lives. This activity, supported by an unquestionable confidence in the high righteousness of their efforts is reflected with each new moment in the festive attractiveness of the entire indescribable décor. It is the spectacle of the great dream shared throughout the Beth Gavriel community.
If we consider that each new finishing touch is comparable in its responsibility to the efforts of a highly skilled jeweler, then the height of expectations of all those who eagerly await the moment of the first festive service in the new synagogue building will become more obvious. Of course, with a huge gathering of people, including distinguished guests from around the globe. Regarding the “globe”—this is, of course, a hyperbole, albeit a necessary one. But the event is significant, highly anticipated, incredibly solemn— and intended to last for many centuries.
I recently spoke with the leaders of the community, Ilya Koptiev and Simcha Alishaev, as well as David Koptiev, who is currently heading the construction together with his two dedicated assistants, Yuri Koptiev, and Israil Akhunov. Firstly, I sought an approximate date for the completion of the shul. Since they are serious and responsible people, they avoided a definitive answer. Apparently, not everything is as simple as it may appear. Simcha shared thoughts regarding the purchase of chairs whose prices have recently skyrocketed. However, the task remains to allocate a product of due quality and reliability that is pleasing to the eye and provides the body a welcomed and comfortable embrace. If we keep in mind that a miser pays twice, then there is no doubt about the optimal solution being found, since these people know the challenges of life firsthand.
Ilya, with his characteristic restraint for words, discussed various issues that required a hasty solution on a daily basis as the finish line draws closer. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is already visible. To this end, David noted that in the coming days one of the final phases of construction will be underway. This involved the installation and adjustments required of the kitchen equipment.
In summation, every hour brings us closer to the long-awaited celebration, the achievement of which will forever be left in the annals of Bukharian history. The names of those who wholeheartedly contributed to the acceleration of this complex and painstaking process will forever be remembered!
By Veliyam Kandinov,
Translated By Alexander Tankelevich
Our Construction: For Many Centuries To Come
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