"Architecture in Service of the Sacred and Spiritual - A Study in Contrasts"

Hour-long tours start at 9:30 am, 11 am, and 2 pm on February 16, 19 and 23.

The guided tour of Temple Isaiah, a stunning architectural masterpiece, begins with the 1980’s west-facing addition originally conceived in 1971 by Donald Wexler and designed by David Christian to meet the growing needs of the congregation. With a magnificent panoramic window view of the San Jacinto Mountains, the Bochner Sanctuary features a colorful centerpiece ark by Israeli sculptor and kinetic artist Yaakov Agam. Then we take a step back in time to see the contrasting E. Stewart Williams modernist-designed Liberman Chapel.

Buy tickets at www.modernismweek.com

The original Temple Isaiah building was designed by Williams in 1949 and dedicated in 1952. The only synagogue designed by the architect and for which he won an award from the American Institute of Architects, is noted for reinforced concrete arches and cantilevered stairs. The stone, wood, glass and plaster elements echo Williams’ 1947 design for Frank Sinatra’s modernist “Twin Palms” Palm Springs home. The tour will include an overview of the relationship the local Jewish community had with Williams, Sinatra, and other notable individuals and families.

A highlight of the tour will be a multi-media presentation that includes historical photographs and architectural drawings by E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, Rick Harrison, David Christian, and others who created ceremonial aspects of the original and the newer sanctuaries.