Media Release
In our rapidly changing world, even our most sacred spaces call for thoughtful reinvention. Lavi Furniture Industries is pioneering a transformative approach to synagogue furniture design. After 70 remarkable years of crafting Holy Arks and furnishing over 7,000 synagogues worldwide, the company has discovered its profound influence on synagogue design philosophies. Many of Lavi’s products and materials have become defining standards in synagogue aesthetics. For instance, traditional red or blue upholstery – once chosen simply for durability – became the expected norm, even though today’s fabric options are virtually limitless.
“Recognizing our responsibility in shaping prayer environments, we felt compelled to establish a new vision for synagogue design,” says Eran Shamir, CEO of Lavi Furniture Industries. “A synagogue is far more than just an Ark and a bimah – it’s where memories are created, identities are formed, and communities are built. This deeper understanding guides our fresh approach. We intimately understand both Halachic requirements and the diverse traditions of Jewish communities, while remaining deeply attuned to each synagogue’s unique usage patterns and scenarios. This knowledge enables us to offer optimal, and sometimes revolutionary, design solutions.”
Good Design – Attentive to Community Needs
Through heartfelt conversations with diverse communities across Israel and abroad, a rich tapestry of evolving needs has emerged. Young families seek flexible spaces that embrace both educational activities and children’s play during prayer, while older members emphasize accessibility and comfort. There’s a shared understanding that a synagogue transcends its role as just a prayer space. Many communities envision versatile environments that seamlessly integrate prayer, study, and communal gatherings.
Listening intently to community representatives, Lavi’s designers have developed innovative solutions including:
- Modular furniture enabling swift space transformation
- Intelligent storage systems and accessible, welcoming bookshelves
- Torah scroll storage solutions offering easy access to each scroll
- Integrated security features for Torah protection, even in lightweight Arks
- Furniture that enhances acoustics for both prayer and study
For example, at the Zhukovka Synagogue in Moscow, our designers were tasked with harmoniously blending prayer and study spaces. “We envisioned regular prayer seating around study tables rather than traditional wooden chair rows. The result is immediately striking – this is clearly a space of learning, emphasized by the bookshelves embracing the synagogue hall. When needed, tables and chairs can be
easily rearranged for community events,” says Jonathan Feldman from the synagogue community (translated from Russian).
Authentic Tradition in the Modern Era
The fusion of tradition and innovation extends beyond materials and design to encompass the entire spatial concept. “We don’t always aim to reinvent the synagogue,” emphasizes Roni Dasberg Evron, Lavi’s Chief Designer. “Often, we’re bringing ancient, authentic traditions into the 21st century in a way that honors the past while dialoguing with the future.”
“Living in Yeruham, we sought a design that incorporates elements from famous Moroccan synagogues but with a modern, clean, and serene aesthetic. Lavi’s designers conducted comprehensive research of renowned synagogues and proposed a design inspired by Moroccan Jewish tradition. Traditional elements were crafted in natural light beech wood, creating a contemporary atmosphere. The seating arrangement, facing each other in the Moroccan Jewish tradition, contributes to our synagogue’s welcoming ambiance,” says Eliyahu Lankri, who led the synagogue’s steering committee.
Eyes on the Future
In many communities, synagogues have evolved into vibrant community centers. The design challenge lies in creating spaces that warmly invite active participation from all community members, from the youngest to the eldest.
“Thoughtful design can transform a synagogue into a place where people genuinely want to be,” reflects Roni Dasberg Evron. “It transcends mere aesthetics – it’s about creating a sacred space that connects people, bridges generations, and links heaven and earth.” Design inspiration often springs from each community’s unique characteristics.
At Kehilat Yishai in Mazkeret Batya, the community desired a modern/minimalist design. In the spirit of modern architecture, the design was anchored in the main structural elements of the Holy Ark, with subtle ornamental touches maintaining traditional connections.
In the settlement of Leshem in Western Samaria, the community wanted to reflect their mountainous surroundings. Their Holy Ark design was inspired by the local topographical lines. “We wanted the design to include an artistic representation of the Menorah – both a sacred symbol and Israel’s sovereign emblem. Beyond its traditional significance, we see the Menorah as a symbol uniting all of Israel around our traditions. The design solution, merging Leshem’s topographical lines with the Menorah, positions our Holy Ark at the forefront of Jewish art in the
renewed State of Israel,” say Orna and Moshe Gan-Zvi, committee members and donors.
The Ark’s façade also features typographic design created in collaboration with talented lettering artist David Goldstein. The typography connects the design to tradition while following and emphasizing the topographical lines.
Call for Embracing a New Agenda
The time has come to reimagine our sacred spaces. Does your synagogue truly reflect your community’s needs? Does it welcome and enable all required activities? Does the space’s design and furniture speak to your community’s character and unique cultural features? These are essential questions every community should consider when designing their synagogue. A synagogue is the beating heart of the community. While embracing tradition, we must also envision the future – not just in design, but in community and spiritual aspects as well.
Create Your Sacred Space: A Call to Partnership
For over half a century, Lavi Furniture Industries has been privileged to help shape the spiritual homes of Jewish communities worldwide. Today, we invite you to join us in creating something extraordinary – a synagogue environment that speaks to both heart and soul.
Imagine walking into a sanctuary where every element has been thoughtfully crafted to enhance prayer and contemplation. Where the gentle curves of hand-carved wood embrace your congregation, and where each detail – from the ark that houses your sacred Torah to the seats where generations will gather – tells a story of tradition meeting contemporary vision.
We don’t just build furniture; we craft sacred spaces where memories will be made, where children will become Bar and Bat Mitzvah, where families will celebrate simchas, and where communities will grow together in faith. Share with us your boldest dreams for your synagogue. Challenge us with your vision. Whether you imagine soaring modernist designs that reach toward heaven, or warm traditional elements that echo ancient temples, we’re ready to transform your aspirations into reality.
Our master craftspeople bring decades of experience in working with premium materials, combining time-honored woodworking techniques with innovative design approaches. From the initial concept to the final installation, we attend to every detail with the reverence your sacred space deserves.
Let’s embark together on this sacred journey. Your dreams, combined with our expertise, will create a synagogue environment that doesn’t just serve your community – it inspires it.
