West Suburban Temple Har Zion is the home of the massive (and once controversial) Milton Horn Sculpture,"Not by Might...," which graces the exterior of the east wall.

The Temple is also the home of the magnificent Gropper Windows. These two story high windows, installed in 1967, summarize in brilliant chunks of colored glass, the story of Genesis. One paragraph cannot do them justice! Click here for description and photos.

OUR BUILDING

Our magnificent building was designed by the noted architectural firm of Loebl, Schlossman and Bennet and built in two stages between 1950 and 1953.

The synagogue's prairie style exterior complements the surrounding architecture of Oak Park and River Forest.

The front terrace provides a lovely setting for spring and summer receptions.

In 1996 we celebrated completion of Kadima, our major renovation project, under the leadership of Shirley Lieb and Robert Goldstine and the guidance of renowned Oak Park architect, John Thorpe.

New features include expanded library facilities for children and adults, a new chapel, a large gift shop, meeting spaces, offices and much more. Infrastructure, systems and furnishings were refurbished or replaced and brought up to the state of the art.

The building has a ramp for wheel chair access and offers F.M. receivers for the hard of hearing at services and most lectures.

New rest rooms for both men and women are handicap accessible and include changing tables. A new elevator makes all three floors of the building accessible to all.

Our two story sanctuary is rich in the natural textures of brick, wood and bronze accents. The sanctuary seats nearly 300 in its normal configuration but can be expanded to seat nearly three times that many when the bimah is moved on its concealed tracks.

The sanctuary was refurbished as a part of the Kadimaproject with new lighting, seats and carpeting.

Gottlieb Community Hall

Our social hall is used for a variety of educational, social, and cultural events. It can comfortably seat up to 250 for a luncheon or dinner. With its new hardwood floor, it has been rejuvenated as a site for family simchas and community events.

The hall's most striking feature is the presentation of the Gropper Windows.

These beautiful floor to ceiling slab glass windows were created by renowned artist William Gropper and depict major events in the Book of genesis, beginning with Creation and ending with Joseph in Egypt. For more about the windows, click here.)

The unique architecture of this building permits the bimah in the Goldstine Sanctuary to be moved through the hall on tracks enlarging the sanctuary for special occasions but leaving room for small receptions on all but the High Holy Days.

Guralnick Chapel/Multipurpose Room

One of the most exciting new spaces resulting from the Kadima project is the new Guralnick Chapel/Multipurpose room. This room has a concealed Ark, enabling the room to be used for meetings and as a lounge as well as an intimate chapel for our growing Junior Congregation and Shohet Daily Minyan.

Kosher Kitchen

Our recently renovated, fully equipped kitchen is strictly kosher and available for all events.

Temple Library

The expanded Temple library subscribes to many magazines and has about 2,500 books. In its new, bright location, it is inviting to all and is accessible by elevator to all.

Hootnick Children's Library

This new facility houses our extensive children's collection, interactive equipment and is also a teacher resource center.

Phyllis Baren Gift Shop

The gift shop, located off the front foyer, showcases our extensive collection of Judaica and other merchandise. Click here for hours and more information.

LIFE CYCLE NEEDS Temple facilities are available to members for all ceremonies from Brit Millah and B'nai Mitzvah to weddings and funerals.