Architecture reflects congregation’s values

TORONTO — Darchei Noam’s new home represents more than an environmentally conscious congregation, said Les Klein, a congregation member and founding principal of Quadrangle Architects Limited, the company that designed the new building.

Les Klein, an architect   and congregation member, wanted Darchei Noam’s new synagogue to reflect its values. [Rita Poliakov photo]

“I wanted to make sure it was a reflection of the values that drove me to become a member,” he said.

Darchei Noam, the only Reconstructionist congregation in Toronto, moved into what used to be the Adath Sholom Synagogue earlier this year. Before purchasing the synagogue, the 34-year-old congregation did not have a permanent home.

The new synagogue, which is environmentally friendly, is equipped with features such as solar panels, solvent-free paints, low-flow toilets, insulated windows, and light sensors to conserve electricity.

Most of the design features in the synagogue represent Darchei Noam’s core principles, something that Klein is proud of.

“It allows me to demonstrate that Judaism is a whole way of life, not merely a set of cultures,” Klein said.

To Rochelle Monas, co-chair of the synagogue’s environmental committee, the building’s environmentalism is a key value in itself.

“In terms of Judaism, there’s the obligation around bal tashchit, do not waste, and tikkun olam, repairing the world. As a people [we must] take care of the Earth,” she said. “It goes back to the Torah. It’s there, why would we not [be environmentally friendly] if these are things already in our heritage.”

Beyond recycled carpets and solar panels, the outside of the building is covered in Jerusalem stone.

“[We had] the idea of putting Jerusalem stone on the front. It’s important to create a visual, to have a clear identity with Israel,” Klein said.

In the front hall of the building, the wall is covered in transparent, multi-coloured plaques. They are all more or less the same shape and size, and all hold names of donors.

“One of the key values of the community was that everyone who contributed to the capital campaign be recognized. The donor wall lists all of the donors, there is no differentiation by size or gift,” Klein said. “[It shows the value that] every person counts…every Jew is important.”

The decision to build on top of another synagogue is also representative of the congregation.

“We decided not to tear the building down. We felt it was environmentally friendly, also we wanted this reconstruction [to show] the slow evolution of Jewish life,” Klein said.

Klein kept the existing synagogue, added handicap-accessible elements and put in an extra floor.

“It’s the whole notion of repeating and reinterpreting. The first floor overhung the lower level, which is overhung by the second floor. With everything you do, it’s connected,” he said, adding that the design goes back to ancient architecture. “A lot of the walls tilt ever so slightly. In the old days, buildings were stronger if you leaned them back.”

This historical technique was mixed with a modern location. The synagogue stands on Sheppard Avenue West, an area booming with transportation and construction.

“We’re big believers in reinforcing the urban fabric of the city. It’s close to the subway line and the bus line. We wanted to reinforce the nature of Sheppard Avenue,” Klein said.

Almost, but not quite by accident, the building’s skeleton hides the letter Shin.

“The structure of steel is in the shape of Shin, you just don’t notice it,” Klein said, pointing out the Hebrew letter.

When asked what the new synagogue meant to him, Klein was quick to answer.

“It means that we have a home,” he said.