Beth Judah Temple Photographed As Part of ‘Synagogues 360.org’

WILDWOOD ─ Pure light bathes wood, glass, and Stars of David. Voices quiet to murmured tones as tranquility muffles the whipping wind outside.
Beth Judah Temple set the stage Oct. 30 for a look into the past and glimpse into the future.
Karen Burke of Beth Judah invited the Herald to attend as Louis and Ronnie Davidson, accompanied by their faithful dog Harley, toured the temple’s sanctuary.
The Davidsons have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States to photograph Jewish synagogues and temples.
Synagogues 360.org is the result of the couple’s creativity, offering virtual tours and information on various synagogues around the world.
According to Davidson, the purpose of their quest is preservation, not only of art and architecture but also of technology.
“This is a long-term project,” said Davidson. Seeing an “opportunity to preserve Jewish heritage,” Davidson has taken over 600,000 pictures, compiled on over 10 terabytes of disk space. Every photo, taken at five to seven different exposures, is stored in various locations, including Los Angeles, at the Davidson home in Tulsa, Okla., and destined for Beit Hatfutsot Museum in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Davidson explained how preserving historic centers of faith and history through photography will offer a glimpse of life as we understand it. One hundred, perhaps even 500 years, to come, descendants will be able to see with detail and clarity these monuments.
“It’s great for any culture,” said Davidson. According to Davidson, the average life of a synagogue in the United States is 50 years.
Many synagogues across the globe are converted into other purposes, including churches or mosques.
Brian Altman, a member of Beth Judah, spoke of the temple as a “great building” and of Davidson’s work to “preserve our heritage.” Altman’s wife’s great-great grandfather was instrumental in the founding of Beth Judah. The congregation incorporated in 1915 and the temple was built in 1929.
Davidson’s quest in preservation is personal, as described by Ronnie. The journey began when they visited Hungary in search of Ronnie’s father’s ancestral home.
Due to redrawn borderlines after World War II and fall of the Soviet Union, the Davidsons discovered the town resided in Romania, not Hungary.
“I like the stories that go along with the pictures,” said Ronnie. Ronnie testified of meeting many Holocaust survivors across Europe and preserving their stories by typing them.
According to Ronnie, they began “in earnest” in 2006, and the road leads them ever onward.
Louis’ background in architecture (Davidson holds a degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology) equips him with an eye for detail while Ronnie enjoys meeting new friends and the rich history of the places they visit.
“I’m along for the ride,” Ronnie added with a smile. However, due to Harley’s age and health, visits to Europe and beyond are less frequent.
“This (Beth Judah) is a great space,” Burke said. “We are very excited for this opportunity.”
Burke addressed 21st-century challenges facing a small congregation on an island. Unit membership is increasing, and Burke is hopeful for Beth Judah being a place “for everyone to be welcomed and understood.”
“I am Jewish by choice,” said Burke.
As tensions and concerns for the future arise in Wildwood and abroad, Burke said, “All we have is today.”
According to Burke, a central theme in Judaism is enjoying the moment while striving to become a better person.
“We are not guaranteed tomorrow,” Burke said.
Light shines brightest in the dark. Perhaps the Davidsons’ quest reflects a universal theme within preserving for the next generations while living in this moment’s light.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.