The Restoration of the Historic Wilshire Boulevard Temple Sanctuary and the Warner Murals

When the Wilshire Boulevard Temple opened the doors to its Sanctuary during Rosh Hashana 2013, the community saw the results of a major renovation to restore and refresh the 84 year old Synagogue.  Over a two year period all the pews were removed so scaffolds could reach the top of the domed ceiling. Workers repaired, repainted and refurbished every element in the Sanctuary. The giant Spice Box chandelier lamps were removed and fixed.The Rose Window stained glass was taken apart, cleaned, repaired and put back together by master stained glass artisans. Every section of the aging Sanctuary was renewed and brought back to life--from the newly painted and gold plated Shema "oculus" at the center of the ceiling dome, to the refinished Bima, to the careful restoration of the Hugo Ballin's murals, which encircle the Sanctuary, and depict  3500 years of Jewish history. The images in the slide show below give you a glimpse into the work that went into this historic transformation.