A new Sanctuary and Hebrew School for a growing congregation in Westborough, the Congregation B’nai Shalom is a 16,000 square foot addition to an existing Synagogue. The project is organized around a new courtyard with new lobby, office and classroom space as well as a new 400 seat sanctuary. The site is redesigned for expanded parking and drop-off for the Synagogue. Renovations to the existing building include improvements to the existing Social Hall and related spaces.

Classrooms: The project program includes 16 classrooms for 15 students each, teen room, library and children’s chapel. Lighting: Natural light is an important element of the sanctuary, with clerestory windows high above the sanctuary. Seating arrangements and capacities: Aspect ratio of space allows deep U-shaped seating arrangements for more intimate feeling.  Separate chairs are preferred because of flexibility. Sanctuary is sized for occupancies ranging from 150 people (typical Shabbat service) to 400 people (double Bar/bat mitzvah services) The scale of the space has an intimate feeling for this range of usage. High holidays will accommodate higher occupancies with a variety of methods: simultaneous services in Sanctuary, Social Hall, and/or Children’s Chapel; and/or services scheduled at successive times. Acoustics: Music is typically unaccompanied, those instruments used in services: guitar, electric keyboard, choir.  Elderly have trouble hearing: hearing assistance system required. Sound system for rabbi & congregation required, including microphone built into reading table.

Committee members expressed a desire that the sanctuary should have both a friendly, warm, modest  atmosphere; and yet offer a sense of soaring inspiration: a balance of awe   and community worship.