It is here!
A “Third Space” for the Jewish Community
What is a “Third Space?”
We present excerpts from our Lubavitch Letter, February 2004, where we set out the vision of Lubavitch of Bucks County regrinding the establishment of the Glazier Jewish Center:
In a FORTUNE magazine article, Howard Schultz, Chairman & Founder of Starbucks describes the Starbucks phenomena as follows:
“Starbucks has become what I call the third place. The first place is home. The second place is work. We are the place in between. It’s a place to feel comfort. A place to feel safe. A place to feel like you belong.”
We share a similar vision for the new Glazier Jewish Center we have just opened. Creating a “spiritual third space.”
Judaism can be explored and experienced in the two places: home or synagogue. But how about a space less formal than the syangogue and a bit more structured than the home. A place where Jews who want to just hang out with other Jews without having to attend a special service? A place where Jews of all affiliations and synagogues can drop their titles and just celebrate as a members of the Jewish community? A location for Jewish children, teens, adults and families to experience non-synagogue related activities. The Glazier Jewish center will become the spiritual “third space” for the exploring Jewish soul.
The center will not replace the synagogue or home experience. It will strengthen it.
The Third Space: A Chanukah Wonderland Feeling All Year Round
Have you ever been to a Chanukah or Passover Wonderland? What were your feelings when you stepped in or as you walked out? What were your thoughts when you saw hundreds of Jewish children from ALL backgrounds get together and have pure Chanukah or Passover fun?
Let me share mine.
Chanukah Wonderland is the best thing for Judaism since sliced Rye bread.
Let me tell you why.
When I watch moms and kids come in and enjoy Jewish quality time in a regular retail store, that’s special. When moms arrange play dates for their kids and chat over some coffee with their Jewish friends in an environment which strengthens their Jewish identity rather than challenging it, that is priceless. When a child comes in and proudly proclaims he is Jewish and excited about Chanukah, tell me, can’t it melt your heart. Unfortunately, for many, the experience of Judaism is relegated to their homes and synagogues, at best. The Wonderland builds on those valuable components of Jewish life, and brings their collective Jewish experience out to the open. They can shop and walk in a mall and see that their Jewish identity proudly shines even in a world where Judaism is not the majority. I will never be able to finish telling all the wonderful stories of the warm thanks that we receive for creating the Wonderland. What people appreciate more than the large array of Judaica, is the comfortable Jewish atmosphere of music, activity and great Jewish pride that this project brings the community.
This is the precise feeling we will be able to have all year round now that we moved into the new Glazier Jewish Center. Now that warm spot of Jewish life will not just be around a few weeks out of the year, but all 365 days. A place where moms and dads can “hang” with their children while sipping some coffee. A place of study and celebration. A house of Prayer. An island of spiritual tranquility in a rough and challenging world.
What is the Glazier Jewish Center?
The Bucks County Jewish Community now has something it never had before: A Jewish Center. A center of Jewish activity that will be open to all Jews of all denominations who wish to explore their Heritage and roots without any strings attached. A warm welcome environment for every Jew to broaden their knowledge deepen their experience and to find some spiritual footing
What is the mission of Glazier Jewish Center?
To provide inspiration and a Jewish experience for every Jew, regardless of where they belong or don’t belong. A special place where every Jew, affiliated, under affiliated, non affiliated or simple a “un-hyphenated” Jew feels welcome.
Plans are presently underway for a completely refreshed schedule of programming that will have something for everyone.
Who will the building serve?
The entire Jewish community. For the past 14 years Lubavitch of Bucks County has been at the forefront of reviving Jewish experience for all Jews in the community. Creating a space where everyone feels welcome in a non judgmental and comfortable environment. Till now, these programs were held at various locations and throughout the county. People were able to get that experience once in a while but not on a day-to-day basis. The Glazier Jewish Center, centrally located in the heart of Newtown, will provide the community with a space that they can experience anytime during the year.
Why should I support the Lubavitch of Bucks County and the Glazier Jewish Center if I already belong to a synagogue and pay dues?
Lubavitch is not a synagogue. It is an organization that services everyone and the entire community.
If you are affiliated, think of the overwhelming majority of Jews in Bucks County that are not affiliated for whatever reason. Think of the future of our people and understand that by supporting the Jewish Center you are supporting an organization which is totally devoted to creating a welcome mat for unaffiliated Jews and creating an entry point for them into the community.
If you are not affiliated, supporting the Jewish Center is supporting an organization that make you feel comfortable and welcome exploring your tradition at your pace, without judgement.