Our sanctuary has been Agudas Achim’s home since 2013. Previously a gymnasium, it was thoughtfully renovated into a welcoming space for prayer, learning, celebration, and gathering—part of a congregational story that reaches back more than a century.
When we transformed the former gymnasium into a synagogue, our goal was to create a space modern and flexible enough to welcome everyone while remaining rooted in the traditions that sustain us. Working with dedicated architects and many committed congregants, we shaped a sanctuary that adapts to the ways we worship and gather.
At its center is the bimah, which incorporates the beloved Aron Kodesh from our former building, designed by artist and former Agudas Achim president Alan Weinstein. It is a reminder that our story continues even as our surroundings change. The Ner Tamid glows above it, symbolizing the enduring presence we create as a community.
Throughout the sanctuary, treasured elements from our old home—memorial plaques, bookcases, and beautifully restored woodwork—stand alongside new touches, such as Hebrew calligraphy commissioned from artist Cheryl Jacobson.
Because both the seating and bimah can be moved, the room can shift to meet the needs of each gathering: from intimate Shabbat services to expansive celebrations of the High Holy Days. More than anything, the space invites us to come together in many ways and helps us build the diverse and welcoming community we strive to be.
Below: “Dressing” and “crowning” our Torah scroll.
