Level 8 -- For public events

This level was where we spent most of our time -- and where all public events were held.  The long hallway connected all the rooms described below.

 

My Office -- was on the far NE end of the top floor.  It was long and narrow -- with clerking tables, file drawers at both ends and my desktop computer.

Marilyn's Office  -- was much larger, to support all our Humanitarian Services.  It had more room for files, tables, her computer --

-- and the many gifts and mementos received from local charities that we served. 

The Library.  Next to our offices was the main study hall -- with great resources (7,000 volumes), illuminated carrels, overhead skylights -- and silence!

This library anteroom had excellent wi-fi and was also good for studying. (We held all of our Humanitarian Committee organizing meetings there.)  Behind it was a copy room and library for DVDs and special collections.

 

Front Offices.  Shari Ohman's office was next to the front entry & fountain -- with the library on the other side.  Adjoining Shari was Neomi Weinstein (Cultural Arts Director).  Together, they handled concerts and art exhibits.

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Front entry & desk.  To enter the top level, one must pass by the security window -- and approach the front desk.

Security Office.  This was on the other side of the front entry.  There, at least 1 of 13 security personnel (mostly Palestinian) were on duty 24/7 -- like Bassam and Murad here.  They monitored 18 cameras within and outside the JC.

They also controlled sound, lighting and temperature in all common areas.

 Restrooms.  Next was the women's room and the cold water fountain.. The men's room was beyond the two seminar rooms.

Seminar Rooms -- were mainly used for public tour orientation videos.  (The tiny TV sets seen here were replaced after we left in 2012.)  Sabbath classes (Sunday School & Priesthood Mtg.) were also held there.

 Dome Theatre.  This was at the far west end of the long entry hall -- seating 100 and used for large group tours over 60. 

It was also used weekly by students for Sunday School and Relief Society classes.

 Outside west stairs. Past the Dome Theatre on the south side of Level 8 were these stairs and a splendid nasturtium tree.

 The Auditorium.  This was the JC's main facility -- for all formal events, public concerts and tours.  Like the Forum, its seating capacity was 350.

Also, once each week it became a chapel.  On our 1st Sabbath (Saturday, 9/7/10), these majestic windows opened a stunning view of the Old City.  During the sacrament, we pondered atoning events in the Garden of Gethsemane (beyond the trees on the left), the Temple Mount (in full view) and the Garden Tomb (to the right of these shots).








The magnificent 3,165-pipe, 65-rank Marcussen "tracker" pipe organ was one of the largest and finest in the Middle East.  Its sound was enhanced by fine Auditorium acoustics.

Outside East Stairs.  East of the Auditorium were more stairs -- sometimes used to escort large groups to the Level 7 terrace and outside views.

Upper Elevator.  This was beyond the stairs and directly opposite the entry desk.

Learning Resource Center.   This multi-purpose room has hosted large receptions -- but was mainly used for constantly revolving art exhibits.  Its ante-room was a popular study area.  Also, Marilyn's  Young Women used it for their weekly Sabbath class.