June 9, 2016

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This week's Throwback Thursday journey through the Epstein archives takes us to 20820 Western Avenue in Olympia Fields, Illinois back in April, 1964 for the opening of the new Temple Anshe Sholom (Anshe Sholom means 'Men of Peace' in Hebrew). This Epstein engineered synagogue, school and community center provided new sacred space for 1,200 worshippers as well as 12 classrooms for teaching children.

For this project we proudly served as the architect of record for famed synagogue designer, Percival Goodman. Mr. Goodman designed more than 50 synagogues between 1948 and 1983 and he has been called the "leading theorist" of modern synagogue design, and one of the most prolific architects in Jewish history.

Today, Temple Anshe Sholom, which is located about 45 minutes south of the Chicago Loop, is one of the largest congregations in Chicago's southern suburbs. This building looks much like it did back in '64, although in '98, the Temple went through a significant interior renovation that completely redesigned the sanctuary, social hall and foyer.