A Guided Tour
The Temple of Israel Synagogue is a two story white stucco / cement structure, with basement, featuring two front domes, each crowned with a Star of David, and a multitude of colorful stained glass windows. The  building measures 35' wide x 50' long x 35' high. Structurally, the building has undergone no changes, except for the addition of an oil furnace in 1948 and a gas furnace in 1970. It is the oldest, still standing orthodox synagogue in the Scranton-Dunmore Area, including a radius of 75 miles. As one enters the Synagogue, there are staircases, left and right which lead either up to the balcony, which seats 25 seats for children or other observers, or down to the basement, which has a 35' wide x 40' deep class / party room, where religious school classes were held, and an 8' x 15' kitchen.  As you enter the main sanctuary, there are 10 rows, on each side, (left side for women, and right side for men) of curved chestnut benches, seating a total of 100 people. At the front of the sanctuary, white wood railings, adorned with elegant dbrass lighting fixtures, encase the bimah (platform), which is elevated two steps. On the bimah, there are two high backed mahogany officer's chairs, a substantial Torah table and Holy Ark. The Holy Ark is clothed by a red velvet, gold trimmed curtain with embroidered picture of the Ten Commandments and Etz Chayim (tree of life). Inside the Holy Ark, there are the three Torahs, each adorned with velvet / embroidered coverings. On the wall, over the Holy Ark, there is  a circular chestnut framed stained glass window, which is situated just below a wall painting of the Ten Commandments, decorated with crown and lions. On each side of the sanctuary, there are three large (appx 3' W x 6' H) chestnut arch framed stained glass windows. To the right and left of the Bimah, lighted memorial plaques grace the front wall. The ceiling of the sanctuary is uniquely embellished with hand painted pictures of a lion, leopard, a deer, and an eagle. Suspended from the ceiling are three light bulb brass chandeliers. |
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