Temple Sholom, Reform Jewish synagogue in Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, US
Temple Sholom is a synagogue on Chicago's North Side, built in a style that draws from both Byzantine and Moorish Revival architecture. Inside, the main sanctuary seats over a thousand people under a barrel-vaulted ceiling lined with stained glass windows.
The congregation was founded in 1867, making it one of the oldest Jewish communities in Chicago. It moved into its current building in 1928 after outgrowing its previous locations as the community on the North Side continued to grow.
Temple Sholom holds a library focused on Jewish texts and a gallery showing works by contemporary artists connected to Jewish themes. Both spaces are open to visitors who want to spend time with Jewish art and writing outside the main sanctuary.
The main sanctuary connects to a community hall through a movable wall on its western side, so the space can open up for larger gatherings. Visitors who want to see the interior are advised to check ahead, as access depends on the schedule of services and events.
One of the artworks inside the building was made by a well-known American sculptor who worked in this particular medium only a handful of times throughout his career. The stained glass windows were designed by an Israeli artist and depict scenes from the Bible, giving the sanctuary a visual story to follow as you move through the space.
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