01 YIRAH

Project Data

[Project year]

[Project type]

[Location]

[Sq. ft]

2023 Place of worship

Tarrytown, New York

26,000

Commercial Place Of Worship Design Problem

A startling rise in antisemitism in the United States has left Jewish people in fear and insecurity. How can we design a synagogue that promotes interfaith relationships and understanding while offering a deeply spiritual experience for Jewish people?

Project Proposal

Temple Beth Abraham seeks to create a safe and spiritual prayer experience for its congregants and an educational experience that educates and encourages interfaith relationships to take a step towards peace.

The project focuses on the importance of understanding the Jewish faith for both Jews and non-Jews to build meaningful spiritual experiences.

The project utilizes Temple Beth Abraham’s existing building in Tarrytown, NY. The town has a 5% Jewish population, and a vibrant downtown strip only a 15 minute walk from the site.

Statistics

From 2000 to 2014, 9% of mass shootings involved religious hate. From 2018 to 202 this increased to 17%

53% of Jews feel less safe today than they did 5 years ago.

Building Information

SYMBOL LEGEND:

Points Of Entry

All main entries ADA Accessible

SECURITY

A: Access area with camera system. View through shatterproof glass to Lower Level entry.

B: Camera and pin-pad system entry.

Design Features

ONLY 2% OF THE UNITED STATES POPULATION IS JEWISH

But Jews are the victims of 60% of all religiously motivated hate crimes.60%

CLIENT & USERS

TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM | 25 Leroy Ave Tarrytown, NY

Self described as a “hamishe place” Temple Beth Abraham is a unique congregation of both conservative and reform Jews. Welcoming, unpretentious, positive, and good-hearted, Temple Beth Abraham is the first synagogue in Westchester county to eliminate dues and move to a contribution model, supporting community and worship for all.

Concept Yirah

A Jewish value with no direct English translation that describes the all encompassing awe of and connection to the manifestations of divinity constantly surrounding us. .

A: Lofted ceilings with clerestory windows.

B: Lower level abuts the earth.

C: Parking lot area with sidewalk to upper entry.

PASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS:

A: Heat gain from window wall on eastern side.

B: Curtain wall on southern facade.

Heart Head Soul

Tikkun Olam Program

Helps repair the world

Religious school and adult learning programs

Sanctuary and chapel, where spirituality is expressed

In all things we might see and give thanks for gods presence. Every element in the building is imbued with a story of history, purpose, and intention. In this consideration is an opportunity to inspire yirah in every user.