Near The Dead Sea fault, can Israel’s home synagogues withstand the next big earthquake?
The San Francisco Chronicle announced that the Sherith Israel synagogue, completed seven months before the 1906 earthquake that ravaged San Francisco, survived that earthquake with minor bruising. However, this “remnant of Israel” built for Jews who flocked to California during the mid 19th century gold rush does not meet present day seismic codes. Hence, the eight-sided building topped with a 120foot high dome and described by architect Kurt Schindler as a “box with a hat,” is undergoing structural surgery. This, along with the slew of high-profile earthquakes on the radar and burgeoning buildings such as the Burj in Dubai makes us question the Middle East’s vulnerability to such natural disasters. Despite its unflattering nickname, there is every reason to protect Sherith Israel. Not only has the building paid some historical dues, clocking in at 105 years, but the interior is breathless: yawning arches, intricate frescoes, and 89 Tiffany-style glass windows contribute to its sacredn
