Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun

Following a fire that left the 110-year-old Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) Synagogue severely destroyed and structurally compromised, FXCollaborative worked with the congregation and its leadership to re-envision and revitalize the synagogue. The reconstructed KJ Synagogue features recreated neo-classical design elements including column capitals, egg-and-dart moldings, massive column arches, and new scagliola finishes on the main ark and new column enclosures applied by Italian craftspeople using traditional methods. Stained glass windows are once again defining characteristics of the synagogue's interior and exterior after the damaged and destroyed windows were extensively repaired or meticulously recreated using historic and forensic analysis. The vision was extended to provide for the Ramaz Lower School addition, and incorporates a system of shoring towers, reinforced concrete shear walls, and replacement columns to accommodate new foundations and superstructure and prevent excessive load on the fragile synagogue walls. These elements, along with new life safety and mechanical components including new HVAC, emergency lighting, and fire-protection and suppression systems, fit seamlessly with the reconstructed historic finishes, integrating the old with the new all while focused on the future.