A MARRIAGE OF ART, SPACE, AND FUNCTIONALITY
The Entry Foyer
The entry foyer is an expression of our ethos. The soft-curved feature-wall reflecting a soothing image of a becalmed sea, expresses the flowing spiritual ambience of our centre. The brightly colored and expressive logo symbolizes the spiral of growth that characterizes all of Spiritgrow’s programs. The energizing and de-stressing fragrance wafting throughout, combines with the soothing sounds of a relaxing Niggun chant beckoning deeper personal exploration. This foyer has been dedicated by Ron and Dina Goldschlager and family.
The Wall
The Kottel (western Wall) images along the elongated hallway antechamber, depict life as a corridor between spiritual and higher realms. This motif is punctuated by collages of faces from all walks of life and cultures. Walking down this corridor is a stroll alongside the Kottel itself and to observe the amazing range of visitors from all parts of the world, all nationalities and races, all connected through the Shechina, the Divine feminine side of the Cosmos - the source of Jewish consciousness. These beautiful photographic collages were designed by our very good friend and internationally acclaimed photographer, Emmanuel Santos, and are complemented by the mystical artwork on the ‘Kabbalistic side’ of the corridor - the series on Kabbala-based concepts, by celebrated artist Victor Majzner, creatively depicting the nature of human personality and the Cosmos.
The Multi-Purpose Space
Dedicated in the name of the late Sarah Shimshoni (Siegel) by her school friends led by Miriam Farkas, the library is uniquely focused on the combination of wellness, spirituality, physics and Jewish tradition - the features that characterize Spiritgrow. Its decor is also punctuated and beautifully enhanced by the creative spiritual artwork of Jakki Tiepermann whose blend of Kabbalistic, and indigenous motifs make for a wondrously contemplative space. Likewise, the powerful sculptures by local sculptor John Milder depict flowing forms of life in motion.
The Lounge and Library
Dedicated in the name of the late Sarah Shimshoni (Siegel) by her school friends led by Miriam Farkas, the library is uniquely focused on the combination of wellness, spirituality, physics and Jewish tradition - the features that characterize Spiritgrow. Its decor is also punctuated and beautifully enhanced by the creative spiritual artwork of Jakki Tiepermann whose blend of Kabbalistic, and indigenous motifs make for a wondrously contemplative space. Likewise, the powerful sculptures by local sculptor John Milder depict flowing forms of life in motion.
The Meditation Centre
Dedicated in the name of the late Sandra Bardas OAM, the centre is Melbourne’s only Jewish meditation facility. Its regal silence provides a perfect venue for introspection, meditation, and contemplation. It is a quiet, sound- free, tranquil island amidst the hustle and bustle of daily stress and pressure of our lives. Its stress-management programs as well as the Kabbalah-focused sessions have made a deep impact on participants. Its soft, clean, uncluttered space draws a concomitant posture in those who have discovered this spiritual gem in their lives. Request an i-pod or MP3 any time; watch the wide flat screen for beautiful and soothing image; or listen to the gentle white-noise of the water-feature.
The Cuisine-Art Space
This space was designed specifically for food demonstration and learning plus the spiritual implications and health properties of food. On the feature wall is displayed a prominent colorful photographic montage of the Jerusalem ‘shuk’ (market) spices on a background of the Israeli desert caravan route that brought the spices to the spiritual capital of the world. The domestic kitchen creates a homely feeling while the overhead mirrors make it easy for all participants to observe the techniques and processes that the demonstration chef instructs for health, taste, and spiritual balance.
The Spiritkids Resource Centre
This child friendly area enjoys wall murals, a children’s library including audio and visual contemporary materials, parents resources, and an inviting fun feel. It hosts regular events for mothers, toddlers, parents, and young children. Its colorful and creative décor couples with substantive resources that allow both parent and child to evolve in a truly Jewish pathway. The formation of the centre was made possible by an initial grant from Ricci Swart and family.
The Administration Centre
Spiritgrow has lived up to its name with rapid staff increases. The newly renovated suite of offices provides a well proportioned and creatively designed administration centre. It includes a counseling room, a series of work stations, director’s office, meeting/lounge and board room area. Its bright colours and glazed partitions provide friendly and airy work conditions conducive to innovation and effective management of the centre and its programs. The Administration Centre was made possible through the generosity of Mr. Gregory Rosshandler.