In response to Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen’s letter describing
his vision for a simple, modern synagogue that could hold up to 1500 people,
Frank Lloyd Write responded, “Dear Rabbi Cohen, I would like to talk to you
concerning your project.” Thus began a
six year collaboration between the Rabbi and the world famous Architect that
led to the beautiful sanctuary above in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
Rabbi Cohen said in his request, cost would be $500,000,
there would be no windows but the glass roof and rotunda would let in
light. Walls would have acoustic
treatment. Included would be classrooms,
meeting rooms and storage rooms, all to be air-conditioned. Sketches of his ideas were included. Wright’s goal was to have congregants walk in
and feel “as if they were resting in the hands of God.” The gentle slope of the
horseshoe formation achieved the goal of seeing others around you no matter
where you were seated rather than the backs of heads and profiles. On bright
sunny days when a cloud passes overhead, the room darkens, at sunset the room
turns gold, and when the sky is blue, you see blue.
This is the only synagogue that Wright ever
designed. Many of his textures, colors
and geometric motifs such as triangles and hexagons are repeated thruout the
structure, creating a powerful design unity.
Modern materials were used including concrete, steel and glass, finished
with gold tones of bronze and desert sand, using Wrights signature red, and
matte silver aluminum.
The building was dedicated on September 20, 1959, five months
after Wright’s death. Shortly thereafter
both the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic
Preservation singled out Beth Sholom Synagogue as one of the seventeen Wright
buildings most worthy of preservation. Later an elevator was added, restrooms
were upgraded and sidewalks were widened.
Visitors can watch a 20-minute documentary narrated by Leonard Nimoy and
study exhibits. Tours are suspended when
events are held such as weddings, bar mitzvahs and funerals. No tours are given on Saturdays or Jewish
holidays. School continues thruout the
year. The vegetable garden grows food
for the food pantry.
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