Kehillat Israel Synagogue

Client: Kehillat Synagogue

Scope: Renovation

Size: 20,000 SF

Completion: 1997

Project Manager: Richard Berliner, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ALEP 

Richard Berliner served as the project architect for this 20,000-SF, new construction project. The design created a space that provides a warm and uplifting experience for the community. The scope included a sanctuary that was built with stadium seating for 300 people and an adjacent chapel that accommodates 75. These spaces are connected via a lobby to the social hall, which can host an additional 200 people. The scope also included a library, courtyard, early childhood center, administrative offices, and underground parking.

Recognizing that most people arrive by car, the sequences of spaces from the parking garage into the sanctuary were planned to create a welcoming experience. Natural light floods the sanctuary, entry lobby, and chapel, and the use of wood and stone throughout creates a warm and inviting ambiance. The social hall and adjacent courtyard were designed with flexibility in mind, to allow for a variety of synagogue and community activities to be hosted.