A week ago I went on a tour of the Wilshire Blvd Temple organized by the LA Conservancy. The Temple has just reopened after a two year, $47.5M renovation project. The synagagogue had been the victim of "benign neglect" and it was a real act of faith to spend the money on renovation rather than tearing it down and building something new. But of course, those of us who love historic architecture are very happy that they did.
The Temple was built in 1929 by the wealthy movers-and-shakers of the LA Jewish community:
Jewish merchants and bankers contributed toward the $1.5-million cost of the sanctuary, but movie money provided much of the synagogue's flash and dazzle.
The 100-foot-high dome was the gift of Hollywood tycoon Irving Thalberg. The dome is inscribed with the Shema Yisrael, a declaration of monotheism.
Louis B. Mayer provided the east- and west-facing stained glass windows, while Carl Laemmle donated the eight cast-bronze chandeliers designed to resemble ancient prayer spice boxes.
Most theatrical and tradition-altering of all were the Warner murals (painted on canvas affixed around the interior walls), the gift of Harry, Jack and Abe Warner in memory of their brothers Milton and Samuel. The drawings depict Jewish history from creation to the discovery of America, portrayed as a figure holding the torch of liberty.
The tour was really amazing - they had presentations by all the major players involved in the renovation - the contractors, architects, conservationists, stained glass rebuilder, landscapers, etc. It was my perfect combination of technology and art!
Here are some photos from the tour - most of them are of the sanctuary, which is very beautiful. Enjoy!
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