Until now, we have been examining communities based on ethnicity. Now, we begin to examine communities based on religion. Two great examples are the Lubavitch-Jewish community in Crown Heights and the Muslim communities throughout New York City. It is evident from both readings that each know how to maximize their religion to create a community where they feel comfortable. It is also interesting to note how each have a central religious center whereby their community functions and lives. In Crown Heights, that place is 770 Eastern Parkway, the old home of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the modern Lubavitch World Headquarters. In the Muslim communities throughout New York City, this place is the mosque, which is the prayer, educational, and political center of their communities.
Viewing a community based on shared ethnicity/race is fine, but it doesn’t always emphasize the togetherness of the community . Based on previous readings, the major solidifying factor of their communities was their shared ethnicities. After reading these two excerpts on two different religious communities, it is evident that each have a center that is a central component of the lives of many individuals in their communities which contributes to their togetherness. I think it is very healthy for a community to have a physical place where they can congregate and engage in the values and beliefs that they believe in. It helps make those positive values that the religion imbues a part of the lives of its community members, something which American society today desperately needs. The center can be thought of as a nucleus of the community, with the surrounding “electrons”, i.e. members of the community, being influenced by its “positive” pull of values and morality. These centers are also excellent social gathering places which fosters a sense of unity and closeness in the community.
