Tifereth Israel Synagogue Renovation

The Journey of Acceptance and Innovation

In many ways, the decision to tear down the old sanctuary was one of the project's most defining moments. There was significant meaning in both the old sanctuary and the school. Yet, the 1960s section was often overlooked, despite its construction quality. The task at hand was not just to renovate but to evoke emotions, to help the congregation realize that tearing down some parts would eventually lead to a larger win.

Commitment and Understanding - A Year of Planning

It wasn't an overnight decision. A year went into planning, ensuring every voice was heard, and every sentiment considered. Substance Architecture’s process is deeply rooted in understanding and empathy. This project showcased our commitment to spend time to ensure everyone felt valued, understood, and seen. The final design emerged as a blend of collective vision and architectural expertise.

Tifereth Israel Synagogue was treading the fine line between preserving the past and ushering in the future, as the project navigated emotional landscapes and architectural challenges to evolve into a beacon of modern faith.

Building More than Walls

Architecture, in its true essence, is about forging connections—between spaces, between times, and most importantly, between people. Tifereth Israel Synagogue's transformation stands as a testament to this. The meticulous design process wasn't just about creating functional spaces but about weaving a tapestry of memories and hopes. By honoring the congregation's sentiments and ensuring every voice was heard, the renovated chapel became more than a building. It became a living, breathing entity—reflecting the collective heartbeat of its community.

Where Design Meets Soul

The new sanctuary includes all the features of a traditional synagogue, preserving the old while also embracing the new. The original Eternal Light now guards a new and modern multi-layered cedar-planked Ark and removable Bimah. The reimagined Ark houses the original Torah scrolls, accessible via sliding panel doors featuring the original Ark cabinet hardware. This contemporary solution allows for the Ark to be closed and the table and stage removed, transforming the sanctuary from a worship space to a large multi-purpose event space while still honoring their sense of community and tradition.

“I think the most powerful part of the project was engaging with this client. The ultimate challenge was to help the congregation accept the change as a positive rather than harboring guilt over not continuing to use the previous space.”

Tim Hickman, Architect & Principal, Substance Architecture

Connection and Community

The new façade created by removing the old sanctuary now serves as the primary face of the building. It features two exterior courtyards screened by 10-foot-high laminated glass panels with geometric patterns taken from the old chapel plaster work alongside text in both Hebrew and English depicting prayers and phrases special to the synagogue congregation and recognizable to the greater religious community as a whole. Adjacent to the worship space, one courtyard provides a flexible events space for outdoor worship, celebrations, and banquets. Translucent panels allow for views of the landscape. The second, more private, courtyard is intended for meditation and reflection. Here, opaque panels create a private exterior space screened from public view and provide a tranquil contemplative experience.