Temple Israel of Hollywood

Campus improvements reflect and expand opportunities for worship, social and educational programs.

Anchored by a historically significant sanctuary - site of a Martin Luther King Jr. speech, Sammy Davis Jr.'s wedding, and Elizabeth Taylor's conversion - this chapel and key social spaces are the last in a series of phased improvements by the firm, initiated with a 2006 masterplan. 

The new chapel is a light-filled space with a tallit-inspired ceiling that extends back into a remodeled social hall and outside to shade the east-facing glass.

The expanded courtyard supports social activities and outdoor services. Community and school programs take advantage of new library and meeting spaces centered around the lobby, now configured for lingering.

The ark is placed within a sedimentary wall, embedded with stones collected by congregants in Israel. CNC milled plywood doors draw on Sephardic tradition, influenced by ancient ornamentation.

This article originally appeared in kearch.com