Beth El – Keser Israel (BEKI)
This synagogue renovation at Beth El – Keser Israel (BEKI), a Conservative synagogue in New Haven’s Westville neighborhood, reimagines the sanctuary’s front wall and podium to enhance accessibility, acoustics, and visual presence—within a modest budget.
The new synagogue design integrates white marble-pattern porcelain tile and rift-sawn red oak panels into the existing midcentury modern architecture of glazed white brick and textured concrete block. Angled marble walls open toward the congregation, with accessible ramps discreetly integrated behind benches and planters to allow barrier-free access to the raised bimah.
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A new ark anchors the space: multicolored acrylic and brass doors and transom designed by Amy Reichert, framed by stepped wood panels and LED cove lighting. A movable acoustic wall at the rear of the sanctuary adds spatial flexibility for worship and community use. Updated lighting and finishes throughout support the new architectural language.
This project was developed in close collaboration with the synagogue’s rabbi and building committee, with Lynn Brotman serving as in-house interior design consultant. The result is a space that reflects the values of the Jewish community while advancing contemporary synagogue architecture.
Client: Beth El – Keser Israel Congregation
Location: 85 Harrison St, New Haven, CT
Category: Religious Buildings
Completion Date: September 2025
Team: Michael Goldblum, Leyani Klever, Emmanuel Santos
Engineers:
Contractor: Munger Construction
Artist: Amy Reichert
Engineer: Goldman Copeland
Photography: Peter Brown
Synagogue Renovation Services
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