Project

A Sanctuary in the Woods

At once majestic and intimate, the new synagogue fosters community for a newly-merged congregation

All
In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
Civic
Cultural
Development
Higher Ed
K-12

Temple Beth Tzedek

Amherst, New York

Temple Beth Tzedek is a 500-family Jewish congregation with roots dated back to Buffalo's first synagogue, Temple Beth El, founded in 1847. The Rabbi and members of the congregation wanted a “sanctuary in the woods,” a request that was complicated by existing wetlands and the need for tree conservation. The design features an all-wood structure that hearkens back to the historic wooden synagogues of Poland. Oriented on site to take advantage of views to the woods and defined by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall facing East, the sanctuary provides for calming views, abundant natural daylight, and a contemplative home for the merged congregation.

(Photo credit: All photos of Temple Beth Tzedek are Copyright 2018 James Cavanaugh)

Size
10,000 SF
Scope
New Construction
Program
Central Gathering, Worship Space, Administration
Sustainability
Awards
2019 Buffalo Business First, Brick by Brick Award
In the news
Temple Beth Tzedek Brings the Outside In!
Finegold Alexander Project Temple Beth Tzedek Receives Prestigious Innovative Solutions for Universal Design (isUD) Certification
Project EUI
Exterior of the new portion of Temple Beth Tzedeck, wrapped in wood with a glass entrance and long ribbon-like windows.
The main gathering space, called the Community Court, with blue and grey chairs and small metal plaques on the wall, interrupted by wooden doors to the sanctuary.
No items found.
“… the new building is filled with light, emphasizes human connections with the natural world, and interprets Jewish practices in a contemporary way…”
Prof. Edward Steinfeld, director of the University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access

‍

Wooden arched door opening to the sanctuary inside, revealing a bright, sunlit space with views to the woodlands surrounding the Temple.
No items found.

Five monumental wood arches provide the sanctuary’s structure. It took just one day to erect the custom glulam arches, manufactured locally by Unalam. Prior to erection, the glulam arches were laid out carefully on the site, according to the order of assembly.

Liturgical art is the centerpiece of the connection between the new sanctuary to the right and the existing building to the right.
The congregation gathered on a bright spring day under the wooden arches in the sanctuary.
No items found.
“Our new sanctuary is such a great place for worship. There is both an intimacy and feeling of togetherness, but also a feeling of the presence of God because of the majesty of the space and the connection to nature.”
Harvey P. Sanders, Project Chair, Temple Beth Tzedek

‍

You may also like this
view other project categories
In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
Civic
Cultural
Higher Ed
K-12
Development