To the Editor:
I would like to write a word of appreciation of Rachel Wischnitzer-Bernstein’s most informative article on “The Problem of Synagogue Architecture.”
As one who has had a limited experience in this field, I can say that there is a tremendous educational task involved in conveying to the rabbis, building committees, and others concerned even the elementary rudiments of the inherent problems, and the proper approach to the evaluation of the design of synagogues in America. To this task the journals and the pertinent organizations should seriously address themselves, in view of the impending program of synagogue building.
May I however mention that the article, probably for lack of space, might have given a little attention to the evolutionary changes that have occurred in functional requirements—such as the increasing importance of the sermon, the fluctuating attendance, the stress on the social and educational activities—and their relation to the architectural problems involved. The solutions proposed in some of the recent preliminary plans referred to in the article appear to have indications of striving for striking effects, rather than adherence to the accepted principle that form follows function. . . .
Sigmund Braverman
Cleveland, Ohio
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