North Shore Congregation Israel is renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture. Each of our two sanctuaries is among the finest examples anywhere of sacred space made palpable.

THE LARGE SANCTUARY

Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the style of our Large Sanctuary places traditional elements in a contemporary mode, in accord with a basic theme - light.

Concrete is used to achieve a sculptured, rather than assembled look. The result is a unity that affords not only sheltering beauty, but also lends inspiration to the three purposes of a synagogue - worship, assembly and study. Both the general design and its details convey religious themes. The walls, the vaults that form the sanctuary roof, the windows and the ceiling panes -- all are shaped to suggest hands in prayer. Although Jews do not pray with hands in that fashion, they are a universal symbol of prayer and as such were accepted here as a symbol. The setting of natural, landscaped beauty inspires the worship of God.

The Sanctuary ceiling is mainly a skylight system, admitting light with an amber glow. As the sky changes, so does the light and shadow of the Sanctuary.

This section of the building was completed in 1964 and includes 10 classrooms and the Romanek Cultural Center, the Kersten Children's Sanctuary, and the Shirley Bea Jarrow Resource Center, an office for the Director of Religious Education, School Secretary, Conference Room, Scholar's Alcove (for restoration and preservation of archives) and a Youth Lounge.

THE STRUCTURE

The Sanctuary itself rises 55 feet to the ceiling and covers more than 10,000 square feet of area. Another 5,000 feet of space encompasses Frank Memorial Hall, and during High Holy Days and Festivals, more than 1650 may be seated in both rooms.

THE ARK

The central symbol is the Ark area. Designed by the artist Lee DeSell who worked closely with Yamasaki, it is made of teak wood and covered with gold leaf. Around the Ark and Scrolls is the white prayer shawl symbolizing the prayer shawls worn by the rabbi and cantor.

FRANK MEMORIAL HALL

A Torah Curtain rescued from Krystallnacht is displayed on the southeast wall. The sculpture entitled "Miriam upon the Deliverance from Egypt" is a celebration of life.

It stands on twelve geometric shapes symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. Engraved on the base are the Hebrew words, "Sing Unto the Lord."

FAGEN MEMORIAL TERRACE

"Jacob Wrestling with the Angels" on Fagen Memorial Terrace was designed by Paul Grunland. A permanent sukkah has been built on the terrace. During the summer months Kabbalat Shabbat Services are held outdoors on Fagen Terrace.

THE SOUTH WING

The south wing, including Perlman Sanctuary, a Family Room, Social Hall and kitchen, was completed in 1982. The architects were Hammond, Beeby and Babka of Chicago.

PERLMAN SANCTUARY

The Perlman Sanctuary is paneled in wood as traditionally found in the interiors of European synagogues. In contrast to the large sanctuary, this one conveys an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. This sanctuary focuses on "expressive" instead of "impressive".

The arches are a design feature incorporating the architectural concept of a square within a circle to convey an intimate feeling. The only fixed elements are the Ark and the eternal Light. The Bimah and seating (for up to 275 people using balconies and benches) are moveable.

Although natural light is an important aspect of the overall design, there are no windows at eye level. This confirms with the traditional view of focusing the senses and thought on the religious service. Windows facing east and west symbolize the cycle of the day. A ring of light is created by the windows encircling the upper portion of the sanctuary. The east stained glass window, designed by the Israeli artist, Heinz Seelig, represents the first day of creation. (The paintings of the First Days of Creation by Heinz Seeling are hanging in Rebecca K. Crown Social Hall/Frey Gallery.)

The west stained glass window depicts the seven branched menorah. The menorah expresses the celebration of the light of creation in the Sabbath and Memorial days. This window was designed by the architects. An adjoining "Family Room" allows for private Ketubah signings and a waiting room for families in mourning prior to a funeral.

REBECCA K.CROWN SOCIAL HALL

The hand sewn crafted banners in Rebecca K. Crown Social Hall were made by Kopel Gurwin, an Israeli artist. Natural dyes were used on the banners which depict Biblical scenes. The columns linking the social hall and the sanctuary are reminiscent of those found in traditional European synagogues. The architectural design of this room was created to highlight the spectacular lake front vistas.