“People walk into the building and immediately feel something different. There’s a sense of beauty, calm, and excitement. ”
– Rabbi Yaacov Halperin, Chabad Lubavitch of Lehigh Valley
4/4 FAST FACTS
| Project Type: | Addition / Alterations |
| Use: | House of Worship / Community Center |
| Location: | Allentown, PA |
| Team: | Lock Ridge Engineering (Structural), Liberty Engineering (Civil/MEP) |
For years, Chabad Lubavitch of Lehigh Valley operated from a modest 3,400-square-foot building that had gradually become too small for its growing congregation and expanding community programs. Rooms were constantly being repurposed to meet changing needs, and the congregation found itself navigating a space that no longer reflected the warmth, openness, and energy that the organization prided itself on.
Rather than relocating, the congregation expanded and transformed their existing building – a former auto title office – into a new synagogue designed to support worship, education, outreach, and gathering.
The relationship between Rabbi Halperin and architect Gary Lader of 4/4 Architecture began long before the expansion project, so when the congregation began planning its expansion, Rabbi Halperin returned to Lader not only because of his architectural expertise, but because of the trust and relationship that had already been established.
Challenges and Requirements
- Increase Space: Expand an undersized building to better serve a growing congregation.
- Multi-use: Create spaces that support worship, education, community outreach, meetings, celebrations, and flexible gathering.
- Sacred design: Develop architecture that fosters peace, reflection, and spiritual connection while remaining welcoming to visitors from diverse backgrounds.
- Collaboration: Work closely with Rabbi Halperin and additional professionals to build a special space for the congregation.
Spaces such as new classrooms and children’s area support the congregation’s mission of being both a spiritual center and a community resource.
APPROACH
- Programming: Organize the building around the congregation’s diverse activities, ensuring every space supports multiple functions while remaining easy to navigate.
- Community-centered: Expand worship areas, classrooms, gathering spaces, and flexible social spaces to better serve both congregation members and community outreach programs.
- Architectural expression: Incorporate symbolic design concepts including references to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the menorah, and the Hebrew letter shin through glazing, roof form, and spatial composition.
- Light: Use expansive glazing and clerestory windows to introduce abundant natural light, creating an atmosphere of warmth, openness, and reflection.
With expansive glazing, elevated ceiling proportions, and upper clerestory windows, natural light became one of the defining features of the worship space, bringing a feeling of warmth, spirituality, and openness.
RESULTS
- Expanded capacity: Delivered a significantly larger building capable of supporting the congregation’s continued growth.
- New programs: Created dedicated classrooms, gathering spaces, a library, and a flexible social hall that accommodate worship, education, outreach, and community events.
- Enhanced worship space: Improved worship space with natural light, symbolic design, and large space for congregation to worship.
- Strengthened mission: Established a welcoming facility that encourages participation from longtime members while inviting newcomers into the congregation.
From sourcing Jerusalem stone imported from Israel to selecting tile, finishes, and interior details, the Rabbi approached the design process with a highly personal level of care and investment.
