James Weinberg helps his 9-year-old son, Reese, second from right, and fellow fourth-graders work on geography lessons at Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
James Weinberg helps his 9-year-old son, Reese, second from right, and fellow fourth-graders work on geography lessons at Congregation Or Hadash in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
John Nowak/CNN
After 10 years without a permanent home, Congregation Or Hadash opened the doors to its own space in February. The synagogue was built from the remains of a vacant auto body paint shop.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
After 10 years without a permanent home, Congregation Or Hadash opened the doors to its own space in February. The synagogue was built from the remains of a vacant auto body paint shop.
John Nowak/CNN
A book fair at Congregation Or Hadash attracts several patrons on a recent Sunday.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
A book fair at Congregation Or Hadash attracts several patrons on a recent Sunday.
John Nowak/CNN
The sanctuary features modern lighting and asymmetrical walls and ceilings. It was engineered to maximize acoustic performance. Because they were on a tight budget, they kept the same chairs the congregation relied on before it had its own space.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
The sanctuary features modern lighting and asymmetrical walls and ceilings. It was engineered to maximize acoustic performance. Because they were on a tight budget, they kept the same chairs the congregation relied on before it had its own space.
John Nowak/CNN
The synagogue's Torah scrolls are held in an ark at the front of the sanctuary. Its design was a group effort involving the architects and members of the congregation.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
The synagogue's Torah scrolls are held in an ark at the front of the sanctuary. Its design was a group effort involving the architects and members of the congregation.
John Nowak/CNN
Children mark countries on a map during class at Congregation Or Hadash on a recent Sunday.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
Children mark countries on a map during class at Congregation Or Hadash on a recent Sunday.
John Nowak/CNN
A small coffee bar is part of the meeting area near the entrance to the synagogue. Congregation members wanted the entryway to feel warm and welcoming, like a hotel lobby.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
A small coffee bar is part of the meeting area near the entrance to the synagogue. Congregation members wanted the entryway to feel warm and welcoming, like a hotel lobby.
John Nowak/CNN
A girl runs past windows that look out on a new courtyard. The concrete floor of the former auto shop remains but is freshly polished.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
A girl runs past windows that look out on a new courtyard. The concrete floor of the former auto shop remains but is freshly polished.
John Nowak/CNN
Architect Brian Bell worked on the synagogue, along with his partner, David Yocum, in the Atlanta firm BLDGS. They kept some elements of the auto shop but aimed to transform the space.
A new synagogue from an old auto shop —
Architect Brian Bell worked on the synagogue, along with his partner, David Yocum, in the Atlanta firm BLDGS. They kept some elements of the auto shop but aimed to transform the space.
John Nowak/CNN