Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills (TEBH) recognizes that continuous renewal has a sacred purpose, and renewal of its most sacred space is vital to its future. Culminating a $10 million capital investment project, the synagogue will unveil its new Corwin Family Sanctuary and Greer Social Hall on Saturday evening, September 24, 2011 at 7:00pm.
The formal dedication of this venue, an occasion open to the community, will be part of the Havdallah service to conclude the Sabbath and include Slichot music and poetry as part of preparation for the Jewish New Year.
A five-year transformation project, the sanctuary renovation initially focused on a limited redesign to improve agility of the space, with a lowered “bimah†(or pulpit) and flexible seating. However, TEBH’s dedicated lay leadership and clergy pursued a grander mission to dramatically re-imagine the space: to integrate the original 1950s post-modern structure with 21st century design and functionality, and to ensure the new design scheme would resonate with all generations.
This renovation and redesign program was the first synagogue project by the award-winning Los Angeles-based firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios. Their dossier of work ranges from The Mark Taper Forum at The Music Center, to The California Endowment Headquarters, and many other city institutions. “Our intention was to maintain the spirit of the space, while giving it a more open quality,†said Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA, principal of Rios Clementi Hale Studios. “When the venue was first built, this was aspiration architecture, and this renovation restores its essence while infusing it with new life and light.â€
The artfully designed space, enlarged and restored to its original shape, has a contemporary feel, yet its thoughtful details symbolize timeless rituals and poignant facets of Jewish culture and heritage. The sanctuary features a design motif of circles, reflective of spiritual life cycles and the seasonality of the world; the theme continues into the adjacent social hall, with a 12-circle ceiling pattern that represents the twelve tribes of Israel.
Some highlights:
• Much of the sanctuary’s natural light filters through the new Olshansky Oculus in the center of the venue’s ceiling. Surrounding the oculus, an expansive, scattered pattern of lights evokes a starry night.
• Jerusalem limestone on the bimah and in the foyer underscores the synagogue’s connection to Israel, always spiritually and now physically.
• Carpet colors reflect the hues of the sanctuary’s original stained glass windows.
• In lieu of fixed pews, the sanctuary features movable chairs to be arranged according to the dynamics of the service or program; chairs form a circle for the Temple’s popular “Shabbat Unplugged†service, held on the first Friday of each month.
“The sanctuary has such a dynamic yet intimate feel, with an atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of preferences,†said Rabbi Laura Geller of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. “It invites reflection and meaningful engagement, to embrace those who pray, quietly meditate, sing or celebrate in its midst.
“Ongoing revitalization is essential for synagogues to sustain and engage existing and potential members, and the broader community at large,†said Scott Shlecter, co-president of TEBH and its Board. “Living Judaism™ is our ethos, and it underscores our commitment to offer a vibrant, inviting congregational experience.
“This beautiful new sanctuary is the culmination of our collective vision, and it has evolved from a functional place of worship into a flourishing, experiential asset for our local Jewish community and visitors who crave a home away from home,†noted Elisa Newman White, TEBH’s co-president.
Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills is one of Southern California’s largest Reform congregations, serving West and Greater Los Angeles. The synagogue recognizes there is more than one way to be a Jew, with a temple community that includes many single members, interfaith, gay, single parent, multi-cultural and other non-traditional families. Its vision is “Living Judaism:” a Judaism that is alive, changing and vibrant. The clergy includes Rabbi Laura Geller, whom Newsweek named one of America’s Top 50 Most Influential Rabbis, Rabbi Jonathan Aaron, Cantor Yonah Kliger and Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin. Temple Emanuel’s three award-winning schools include the Early Childhood Center, Day School and Religious School, as well as a broad-based Adult Education Program. Known for its engaging worship offerings, the synagogue offers innovative musical High Holy Day and Friday Night Services, including “Shabbat B’Yachad†and “Shabbat Unplugged.†The Shabbat morning New Emanuel Minyan service is the largest Reform Minyan in the area.
For more information and membership: www.tebh.org.
