Congregation Beth-Israel Munster, Indiana
The new Synagogue and school building opened its doors to the Munster, Indiana community in January 2007. The Synagogue contains a spacious Lobby, 250-seat Sanctuary, Social Hall and 7-classrooms. A large sliding partition separates the Sanctuary and Social Hall and when open, increases seating for the Sanctuary to 450 seats. A separate drop-off and entrance is provided for the school wing when classes are in session, so the main entrance remains a focal point for religious gatherings. During the design process SAS proposed many unique plan versions and facade designs while trying to find the best functional solution within budget. In the end an impressive structure was completed that used some symbolic elements in the building facade as well as for the interior. We incorporated a symbolic mural that was retrieved from the old synagogue. This gigantic mural was transported and installed on the only wall where it could fit, being the main backdrop of the Sanctuary / Social Hall opposite the Bema.