The new Temple Sholom is nearing completion and, it is now expected, will be ready for dedication some time in November, to be used the first time for the Holidays. The new community house, according to plans, will open about September 1. The development, which occupies a block on Sheridan Road, extending from Stratford Place on the south to Cornelia Avenue on the north, represents an investment of $1,600,000.
Rabbi Abram Hirschberg has been for more than three decades spiritual leader of Temple Sholom, the pioneer Jewish congregation of the north side.
For bringing the building project to a materialization, credit is given to Benjamin M. Engelhard, president of the congregation for more than twenty-five years.
Members of the building committee include W. B. Frankenstein, chairman; David Weber, Henry R. Levy, Max Sobel, Sidney Mandl, Milton Friend, L. L. Cohn, R. F. Lowenstein, Richard Pick, Rabbi Abram Hirschberg, and Benjamin M. Engelhard.
The exterior is of Lannon stone and tile, with mosaic inserts and designs, and a mosaic tile roof. Sixteen large stained glass windows depict symbols of the ancient Hebrew religion.
The temple auditorium, which will seat approximately 3,000 persons, has an imposing altar, directly opposite the monumental entrance, which, on occasions demanding additional seating, slides back, throwing the temple and school auditorium together.
The temple and school auditorium walls are paneled walnut and marble, with a decorated mosaic dome above the temple. The entire temple is lighted from the eye of the dome with powerful indirect lights, giving the effect of sunlight.
The policy of the temple will be extremely broad. Any organization, regardless of religious creed, engaged in civic, educational or philanthropic endeavors will be welcomed.
The community house is a memorial by W. B. Frankenstein, in memory of his parents, Morris and Jeanette Frankenstein.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
