Description

Interior view of east wall of new sanctuary showing Ark and Torah.

Thomas Beeby’s design is an addition to a 1964 temple by Minoru Yamasaki. Yamasaki’s original building seated 1,100 people and, although it was full on holidays, the congregation sought a smaller, more intimate space for weekly services. Whereas Yamasaki’s design was idiosyncratic and modernist, Beeby’s was rooted in historical references. He said he was inspired by Solomon’s temple and by the Renaissance synagogues of Spain and Portugal.

The main new worship space is a large lit from the sides by large windows. The central chandelier is the shape of a Star of David. Beeby employed drapes and carpets to help achieve the more intimate feel the congregation wanted, in contrast with the grand and cavernous Yamasaki original.

In 1983 Beby was quoted as saying "In 50 years, people will think our building is the original, and Yamasaki's, the addition."

Further reading:

- Charles K. Gandee, “Tradition rekindled,” Architectural Record 171, no. 7 (June 1983): 104–113.

- Nora Richter Greer, “Historicist Addition to a ‘60s Temple,” Architecture: The AIA Journal 73, no. 5 (May 1984): 208–211.

- Elizabeth Milnarik, "North Shore Congregation Israel," Society of Architectural Historians Archipedia (https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/IL-01-031-0062).

Additional Information

Provenance: Gift to Martin E. Zimmerman.

Type

stamp

Location

back

Method

ink

Text

Job no. 83532, Negative no. D