WebMaster
M.A.Wiseman
email
maw@mawmc.co.uk

Wembley Synagogue

Serving the community for over 79 years

This article was first printed in the Souvenir Brochure published;
“To Commemorate the Consecration of the Wembley Synagogue”
and subsequently republished in the Wembley Synagogue News
Pesach 1998 – April 1998 / Nissan 5758 No. 81

A Review by the Architect

Mr Roland G. Smith, Dip. Arch., A.R.I.B.A.

The new building is a reinforced concrete frame structure resting on pressure piles, which. in some cases due to the nature of the sub-soil, have had to be driven to a depth of some 45 feet.

The external face of the building is clad in multi‑coloured red facing bricks.

The roof over the Ladies' Gallery is carried on two prestressed concrete beams, having a clear span of 60 feet.

The building is centrally heated and air conditioned by means of oil‑fired boilers and electric fans. which are situated in the basement under the Communal Hall.

FAClLlTlES IN THE NEW BUILDING

Entrance Foyer

The Entrance Foyer has a floor area of approximately 800 sq. ft. The floor has been tiled throughout in Terrazzo tiles, and the ceiling lined with acoustic material in order to minimise the effects of sound transmitting through into the Synagogue. To the left are the Gentlemen's Toilets. The Bride and Minister's Room is situated to the right of the Entrance Foyer, and the colour scheme of this room has been carried out in keeping with its function. From this Foyer.direct access is gained to the Communal Hall. and from there to the Synagogue.

Synagogue

The Synagogue has been panelled throughout with Yugoslavian Oak with a boor of Rhodesian mahogany, the heating for this Chamber being concealed beneath the floor. At the East end. in its traditional position, is situated the Holy Ark, this having been made the focal point of the Chamber. It is interesting to note that the fibrous plaster cove which surrounds the Ark and the Choir Gallery, conceals the extract ventilating ducts for the entire Synagogue.

Communal Hall

The Communal Hall is again panelled in Yugoslavian Oak with a Rhodesian Mahogany floor.  so that during the High Holy Days when the wall between the Synagogue and Communal Hall is removed. both areas appear as one. At the South end of the Hall, there is a stage, which has been provided in order to increase the facilities of the Hall. Adjacent to this is the kitchen, so that it is possible to cater for Weddings and Receptions, dining approximately 150 persons. The Hall is lighted by six 5‑light clusters, which have been exclusively designed for this building. It should be noted that the design of these chandeliers follows that of the main chandeliers in the Synagogue.

Ladies Gallery

The main staircase from the Entrance Foyer leads direct to the Ladies Foyer Lounge on the First Floor, with its own Toilet and Cloakroom accommodation. From this Foyer, access is gained to the Ladies Gallery, which has been taken around three sides of the Synagogue. It is also possible to remove the West wall of the gallery, thus giving an extension to the seating capacity when this is required. Particular attention has been given to the formation of the seating to allow the ladies to have sight of the Holy Ark, the Pulpit and the Almemah, in order that they may visually participate in the services.

First Floor

Adjacent to the Choir Gallery is the Library access to which may be gained without going either through the Synagogue or the Ladies Foyer.

The total educational capacity of the building has been increased by two more Classrooms. each being some 15 ft. by 20 ft.

Siting

In the site area available, it has been found possible to allow parking facilities for vehicles,

Now that the scheme has been completed, it will be observed that a Courtyard has been provided, around which the Synagogue. Classrooms, and Flats are placed, thus giving a degree of seclusion to the community. In the Autumn trees will be planted around the curtilage of the site. so that in later years the Communal Centre will appear to be in a park‑like surrounding.