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Monday Marks: #3

September 22, 2014 Branding, Logos, Monday Marks

#3

 
This Wednesday evening, Jews around the globe will be ushering in year 5775. To mark the new year, we’re featuring logos that we’ve created for three very different synagogues—one reconstructionist, one reform and one with no movement affiliation.

ReMarks


Kehillah Synagogue, Chapel Hill, NC
In Hebrew, Kehillah means community. In this community, congregants enjoy a true sense of belonging, are valued as individuals, and embrace membership as part of a cohesive whole. We took a hand-lettered type approach to capture a welcoming community that strongly espouses “every voice matters.” At the center of the mark stands an anthropomorphic “i”—symbolizing a joyful, thriving individual. It is closely surrounded by other characters that unite to form community (literally). We developed the tagline: “Matter. Grow. Belong.” to accompany the mark and bring to life the concept that at the core of Kehillah’s focus is you—the individual.


Congregation Rodeph Shalom, Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by the Great Synagogue of Florence, Italy, Rodeph Shalom is one of the only synagogues in the United States that retains the Byzantine-Moorish style. The beauty of its worship space is so stunning that we felt it had to be referenced in the mark. We focused on the decorative elements that form an arch. It captures Rodeph Shalom’s desire to not only create profound connections for those who enter but to also serve as a gateway to Judaism. Located in the center of Philadelphia, the synagogue literally stands as a bridge, unifying the surrounding neighborhoods. Enter through any of its glorious archways and you will find an inclusive community uniting a diverse population of people that call Rodeph Shalom home to all.


Society Hill Synagogue, Philadelphia, PA
Housed in a former Baptist Church in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia, this worship community is frequently described by what they are not: unaffiliated, unpretentious, unlike any synagogue around. They are unusual and unabashedly proud of that. It was important that their mark had the same distinction. Their interior space is visually uncluttered, remarkably quiet, and simple in appearance. A set of large, mahogany doors is the most striking visual element of the physical location. We saw that as an opportunity. We selected a panel from the doors as a symbol that the synagogue is open to all who wish to enter. The accompanying typeface is open, rounded and maintains an understated quiet which is emblematic of their vibe. Enter the doors and you’ll find warmth and energy in Society Hill’s eclectic, creative and dynamic community.


Monday Marks: Every Monday, for twenty-one consecutive weeks, we’ll be blogging about a graphic mark designed by our creative team. We’ll reveal the meaning and inspiration and share the many questions that each mark seeks to answer. The series begins on our 21st birthday, May 19, 2014. BookMARK our blog and see how we have made our mark!