Cong Shearith Israel

8/14/2019 Cong Shearith Israel

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8/14/2019 Cong Shearith Israel

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Stephen Tilly, Architect 

Inside, heating and air con-

ditioning were overhauled

and lighting upgraded. Fire

detection and suppression

systems were installed,

including New York City’s

rst mist sprinkler system, atechnology devised expressly

for the protection of art

works and ne nishes. A

rigorous re detection system

was maintained during con-

struction. For services, the

architectural team designed

and had installed a new

sound system compliant with

Orthodox Jewish proscrip-

tions against work on the

Sabbath.  Restored Sanctuary interior 

Women’s balcony, with restored scagliola, sconces,

chandeliers and pews

Congregation Shearith Israel, New York, New York   Interior Restoration

As work on interior elements progressed, Tiffany’s vision

for the synagogue came to life after a century of being

hidden. Restored light xtures of glowing brass, gold and

silver, long tarnished black, illuminated a color scheme

reconstructed through microscopic paint analysis and Mun-

sell matching with contemporary materials. Light reected

from refreshed surfaces echoes and complements colors in

the (Tiffany) stained glass windows. Restored architectural

 plaster ( scagliola), in concert with Numidian marble, adds

depth and complexity to Tiffany’s subtle masterpiece. Theinterior and exterior work was completed in 2002.

 Ner Tamid after restoration Ner Tamid, the Eternal Flame, tar-

nished black before restoration