In this project Kalman acted as an architect, interior designer, and an artist. The new building is an example of seamless integration of art and architecture. The new sanctuary will seat 400 people.
Interior: Two bands of irregularly shaped windows and a linear skylight throw ample natural into the interior of the building. To soften the elongated room Kalman chose to curve the northern and southern exterior walls in a shape reminiscent of Noa’s ark. The trusses supporting the roof are all shaped differently and appear as a series of decorative portals leading to the altar decorated with the metal sculpture entitled Flame. Another Flame sculpture is mounted on the exterior face same wall and can be gleaned from the interior through the round window above the altar. The entire span of northern and southern walls has a band of 30 paintings by Kalman depicting the history of Jewish people. The text for the Jewish timeline is written by Malkie Herson and is placed directly under the paintings. The wall opposite the altar is decorated with a ceramic relief depicting Jerusalem which was developed by Kalman in collaboration with a ceramist, Sasha Raiz.
Exterior: The main view of the building which opens from the Valley Road features a succession of white piers culminating in irregularly shaped arches near the eastern wall with the Flame sculpture. The visitor then proceeds to the wide stair flanked by gardens and ascends to the paved plaza featuring the Hollocaust Memorial designed by Kalman. Even though the building’s elements are very modern, the combination of red brick, white stucco, and stone relates it to the traditional architecture surrounding it.