Congregation Emanu-El

Congregation Emanu-El’s thoughtful reconstruction of their central
courtyard adds modern innovative spaces while respecting the history and
traditions of the 100-year-old Temple. From the exterior, the building
appears unchanged, while on the inside, the transformation embraces
openness, connections, and reflection—both literal and figurative.
Congregation Emanu-El is one of the largest and oldest Jewish
congregations on the west coast with the Temple Emanu-El originally
dedicated in April 1926. The design was modeled after the Second Temple
in Jerusalem and featured an axial procession through a series of
progressively contemplative spaces from the street to the Sanctuary.
The axial entry had been closed off for decades due to accessibility issues
and the courtyard structure was deemed a seismic collapse hazard. The
renovated courtyard building reclaims the historic main entrance and grand
procession from the street into the Sanctuary while making it—for the first
time—accessible to all. The warm and welcoming lobby replaces the locked
gates and makeshift security kiosk of recent years.
Within the restored exterior walls, two stories of educational and
community spaces, enveloped by a glass skin with bronze mullions were
added around the reconstructed open-air courtyard. The children’s play
area was moved from ground level to a newly created roof deck with direct
access to the preschool classrooms, and the excavation of two levels
below the courtyard provides space for clergy offices and building
services. The classroom level above the courtyard and the roof terrace
offer new perspectives from which to view the historic Sanctuary.