SoHo Synagogue

Dror - New York, United States - 2011

Key words: Design, Dror, Menorah, Sanctuary, Torah, Tradition

SYNAGOGUE interior - Photography: © John Hall

The SoHo Synagogue in Manhattan redefines the role of a synagogue for a younger, urban Jewish community by merging tradition with contemporary cultural sensibilities. Founded by Rabbi Dovi and Esty Scheiner, the project responds to the open-minded spirit of lower Manhattan by situating religious practice within a casual, creative, and lifestyle-oriented setting. Rather than replicating traditional synagogue typologies, the design - led by Dror - transforms a former fashion boutique into a hybrid environment for worship, social gathering, and personal growth.

The design is rich in layered symbolism and dual meanings. Striped windows simultaneously reference the tallit prayer shawl and a barcode, bridging sacred heritage with modern consumer culture. The Torah arc, formed from sliding overlapping circles, assembles into a Star of David, embodying transformation and fluidity. Details such as brick squares arranged into a menorah, Edison bulb lighting replacing stained glass, and flexible art panels that double as furniture, all reinforce the ethos of adaptability and integration.

Critically, the synagogue walks a fine line between honouring Jewish ritual and embracing modernity. Its industrial aesthetic, raw brick, and exposed pipes deliberately contrast with elegant furnishings, embodying the community’s dual identity: rooted in tradition, yet deeply engaged with contemporary urban life.