Remembered for its unique architecture, Comunidad Amijai stands as a testament to faith and resilience. This conservative Jewish congregation is located in Buenos Aires. It began with a small group of families in the Belgrano neighborhood.
Now, let’s delve into the story behind this remarkable place. In 1993, several Jewish families decided to form a new Masorti congregation. They chose Darío Feiguin as their rabbi. The name Amijai means “my nation lives” in Hebrew.
Initially, services were held at the Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano. But the congregation dreamed of having its own home. This dream became a reality in 2001. Natalio Garber, a businessman, donated the capital needed. He was the former owner of Musimundo. With his generous gift, the congregation purchased an old safe factory. It was located next to Chinatown. The factory would be transformed into the Comunidad Amijai.
After the 1994 AMIA bombing, security was a major concern. The synagogue was designed to be bomb-proof. The architecture firm Urgell-Penedo-Urgell won the Konex Award for architecture. They were chosen to design the new building. Construction took 16 months. Many different architects contributed to the project.
The building covers 3,500 square meters. It includes a community dining hall and classrooms. There are administrative offices for staff and rabbis. A library and meeting spaces are also available. Reinforced concrete was used for construction. The V-shaped roof allows natural light to flood the interior. It brings 25 meters of light into the building.
The main temple can seat 900 people. It is also used as a concert venue. The acoustics are known to be excellent. In 2008, the building received the First Prize in Architecture. It was awarded by the Government of the Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. The doors of the main temple are made of natural bronze. Local artists carved the altar from wood.
During construction, a design contest was held. It was for a Tree of Life art piece. This piece would honor the memory of loved ones. The submissions were anonymous. Clorindo Testa’s design was chosen. Bronze leaves represent lost loved ones. An eternal flame illuminates the leaves.
Comunidad Amijai is dedicated to studying the Torah. The dietary laws of kashrut are respected. The congregation believes in a Judaism that shuns bourgeois comfort. They reject ignorance, individualism, compulsion, and fear. The synagogue gives charitably to the community. They collect tzedakah monthly. They collaborate with Sonrisas. This local non-profit is in Esteban Echeverría. A community dining room provides meals for the homeless. Winter clothing drives are also organized.
The Congregation supports the Argentine Ecumenical Movement. They participate in the National Plan for Cultural Equality. Rabbi Alejandro Avruj joined Pope Francis in 2014. He was part of the interfaith delegation that visited the Middle East. Rabbi Avruj worked with the Pontiff on social justice issues. This was when the latter was Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Comunidad Amijai fosters peace. It organizes recitals and concerts. Jewish and Palestinian artists perform together. In addition to prayer services, the synagogue hosts concerts. Lectures, ballet, theatre, and dance performances are common. The music includes jazz and klezmer. Zarzuela, tango, and classical music are also performed. Folk music, rock, religious music, country, and opera are all welcome. The synagogue received a 19th-century Steinway piano as a gift. It came from an anonymous donor.
Many famous artists have performed at the Comunidad Amijai. These include Darío Volonté and Daniel Barenboim. Luis Alberto Spinetta and Camerata Bariloche have also performed here. Pinchas Zukerman and the Russian National Orchestra have graced the stage. The Harlem Opera Theater and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Hesse have appeared. La Kammerphilarmonie de Frankfurt and Martha Argerich have played here. Sandra Mihanovich and Bruno Gelber have also performed. The list goes on to include Atilio Stampone and Hermeto Pascoal. Chango Spasiuk, Jaime Torres, and Pedro Aznar have all been here too.
As you stand before Comunidad Amijai remember its story. It reflects the strength and spirit of its community. It is a place of faith, culture, and commitment to a better world.