BETH ISRAEL WOODEN SYNAGOGUE
Berkeley, California

Congregation Beth Israel came up with the idea to replace existing temple with something from Jewish history. The Building Committee selected a synagogue that was built in the early 1700’s in Przedborz, Poland. The exterior was simple timber log construction with a few ornate windows. In contrast, a barrel vault ceiling with elaborate ornaments and 'S' curve patterns highlighted the woodwork of the sanctuary. After the Przedborz prototype was selected, we were hired to help recreate the wooden synagogue and adapt it to modern use. The design tries to stay as true to the original as possible, while adding a supportive wing to meet modern needs.