Brandeis University-Berlin Chapel
Dublin Core
Title
Brandeis University-Berlin Chapel
Spiritual Space Item Type Metadata
Institution
Brandeis University
Spiritual Space
Berlin Chapel
Work Type
Chapel
Location
Waltham, MA
Creator
Date
dedicated on Oct. 20, 1955
Description
The Brandeis University Chapels were designed to be equal in size and situated so that one never casts a shadow on another. The three chapels surround Chapel Pond. Berlin Chapel is a Jewish Chapel, and was designed to resemble a sacred scroll. It was named for Mendel and Leah Berlin.
The original design - for a single chapel - was defined by a rhythm of undulating brick walls, which enclosed a common area of worship for all three faiths. Because the chancellery of the Archdiocese in Boston objected to the original interdenominational character of the chapel, a revised proposal with three separate areas of worship in the same building was devised. When the site for the chapel was consecrated in 1952, the projected chapel, which was to be a chapel for Jewish worship that would offer hospitality to all students, was designed by Harrison & Abramovitz of New York. The student body strongly opposed the project urging the University to follow the original plan for an interfaith chapel. In response, the architects submitted a revised design in which there were two small rooms attached for the worship of other faiths. The student protest did not subside as this proposal denied the concept of equality and brotherhood for which they strove. In October 1953, University officials agreed to build three separate chapels, giving each faith its own house of worship. In 1956, the Three Chapels received the American Institute of Architects Award of Merit. Over the years, they have been used for religious services, weddings, funerals, and special University events.
The original design - for a single chapel - was defined by a rhythm of undulating brick walls, which enclosed a common area of worship for all three faiths. Because the chancellery of the Archdiocese in Boston objected to the original interdenominational character of the chapel, a revised proposal with three separate areas of worship in the same building was devised. When the site for the chapel was consecrated in 1952, the projected chapel, which was to be a chapel for Jewish worship that would offer hospitality to all students, was designed by Harrison & Abramovitz of New York. The student body strongly opposed the project urging the University to follow the original plan for an interfaith chapel. In response, the architects submitted a revised design in which there were two small rooms attached for the worship of other faiths. The student protest did not subside as this proposal denied the concept of equality and brotherhood for which they strove. In October 1953, University officials agreed to build three separate chapels, giving each faith its own house of worship. In 1956, the Three Chapels received the American Institute of Architects Award of Merit. Over the years, they have been used for religious services, weddings, funerals, and special University events.
Seating Capacity
150
Other Spaces in Facility
There are kosher and traditional kitchens on campus, although not in the Chapels. Hillel is located in another building.
Religious Life Staff
Rights
(c)Karla Johnson
(c)Brandeis University
Image Source
Karla Johnson
Michael Lovett
Collection
Citation
“Brandeis University-Berlin Chapel,” Spiritual Spaces, accessed November 24, 2024, http://omeka.wellesley.edu/spiritualspaces/items/show/30.