The Telyas Chabad Jewish Center

New Facilities Award

Landau | Zinder Architecture

Clinton, New Jersey

Chabad of Hunterdon County built a permanent home after years of renting, creating a 23,000-square-foot community center on a 7.2-acre site with wetlands and bounded by two roads. The building nestles into the landscape, offering a solid, discrete home for the growing congregation.

The design features a “town square” concept with three zones: worship, education, and administration. At the heart of the building, an open lobby and multipurpose “jewel box” serve as a dynamic social hub for all ages. The design for the entry canopy inverts a contextual gabled roof line to liken it to the iconic Chabad menorah. It is held up by a
steel frame in the shape of the Hebrew letter Shin (symbolizing a name for God), which is found on mezuzahs hung in doorways of Jewish homes. This inverted gabled roof and menorah motif is duplicated over the sanctuary and social hall, allowing the building to maintain a low profile from the street.

The light-filled lobby uses wood, stone, and other natural materials to connect the building to the surrounding environment and honor the local historic district. An amphitheater extends from the lobby, offering an outdoor space for prayer, teaching, and community events.

Jury Comments

This building is filled with surprises and spiritual spaces. It makes the faith community welcoming and understanding.

Project Team Members

Joshua Zinder, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP / Managing Partner
Michael Landau, RA / Principal
Benjamin Grace, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP / Project Architect

Project Consultants

RBZ Enterprises, Inc.
Ronald A. Brokenshire, PE
Jarmel Kizel Architects & Engineers
Rocciola Engineering, LLC
John McDonough Associates, LLC
Integrated Green Technologies

Photo Credit / Juan Vidal Photography