Inside The Unique, Sacred Synagogues Of West Ridge

WEST RIDGE — Sunday evening marks the New Year for Jewish people around the world as they celebrate and observe the holiest of holidays, Rosh Hashanah. 

For Jews who live in Chicago, about a quarter call West Ridge their home — and a quick drive through the Far North Side neighborhood reveals a slew of Jewish delis and bakeries, religious schools and young boys with curls (or peyot) bouncing down the sidewalk.

The neighborhood also hosts most of the city's synagogues, where Jews not only meditate and pray but find community.

Some places, like Anshe Motele, 6526 N. California Ave., have deep roots, going back over a century with ties to early labor unions, while other buildings, like that of Congregation Sha'arei Tzedek Mishkan Yair at 2832 W. Touhy Ave., housed a Barnaby's Family Restaurant as recently as 10 years ago.

As residents prepare for the high holidays, here's a look inside a few of the neighborhood's sanctuaries soon to be filled with families and devout worshippers. 

Anshe Motele, 6526 N. California Ave.

^{The sanctuary. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The sanctuary [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The altar [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Seats adorned with the Star of David. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Chairs draped with cloths that bear former members' names. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Stained glass window Star of David. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The building's exterior [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

Congregation Sha'arei Tzedek Mishkan Yair, 2832 W. Touhy Ave.

^{Torahs are kept behind these doors. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Chandelier. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The sanctuary. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The altar [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Arch above the doorway. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Torahs adorned with crowns meant to symbolize God. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Detailed crowns. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The building's exterior. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park

^{Stained glass windows representing the 12 tribes of Israel. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Men and women sit separately. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{A smaller worship room and study. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Twelve tribes windows. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{A Menorah. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Religious books. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Books in the study room. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{The building's exterior. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

Emmanuel Congregation, 5959 N. Sheridan Road

^{The ceiling's unique design. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Huge, intricate stained glass window. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Tree of Life. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Torahs inside the huge Tree of Life chest. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

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