Location/Facilities
Our Location
We're located at 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, just west
of Scottsdale Road (click
here for map). While officially located within the town of Paradise Valley,
Temple Solel is easily reached from communities Valley-wide.
Accessibility
Our buildings and grounds are fully accessible to the physically challenged.
Our Sanctuary was designed with graduated seating for excellent sightlines,
comfortable spaces for wheelchairs and other mobility aids, and is equipped
with a hearing-assistance system for the hearing-impaired.
Sanctuary
Temple Solel's Sanctuary is a lovely space - sweeping and simple, high-ceilinged,
light and airy - and yet designed so that it renders a feeling of serenity and
peace upon entering. Our breathtaking wall-sized stained-glass window includes
an interior scene from a 16th-Century Amsterdam synagogue superimposed over
a boundless desert-mountain landscape, as well as quotes from sacred texts,
contemporary liturgy, and poetry. Our timelessly simple and beautiful Ark completes
the setting. It is a space that, for so many, provides a soothing sense of connection
with God, Torah, and our holy community.
Social Hall
The Social Hall is a modern, ballroom-style space with moveable wall panels
that make it suitable for virtually any size and type of event. The room boasts
a grand stage that can serve as a bimah, complete with moveable Ark and pulpit,
and its newly-upgraded sound system and a dance floor make it ideal for parties
and receptions. The Hall is home to memorable B'nai Mitzvah, countless parties,
meetings and events - hosted by both our own congregants and groups from the
larger community. Thanks to its versatility, a fully-equipped kitchen and catering/service
staff, and the ability for event hosts to bring in pre-approved outside caterers
if they wish, our Hall is flexible and full-service.
The Atrium Judaica Shop
Our gift shop, located in the lobby, offers books, jewelry, tallitot and kippot,
tzedakah boxes and Kiddush cups, special-occasion and holiday greeting cards…a
seemingly endless trove of toys, gifts, and ritual items for every day and for
every Jewish holiday. We frequently carry one-of-a-kind pieces and works by
local and Israeli artists. Our prices are 20 percent below retail, and all purchases
are tax-free.
The Library
Our collection of more than 5,000 catalogued volumes is a great source of pride
for us and includes all aspects of Jewish literature, history, reference and,
of course, scripture. The library is available to everyone in our congregation.
Books can, of course, be borrowed and we encourage our members to make the library
a useful part of their lives. Our librarian ensures that the collection remains
current and establishes special sections of relevant material at each Jewish
holiday.
Classrooms
The classrooms at Temple Solel are multi-purpose. During the week, 15 classrooms
are used for the coveted Solel Preschool. They are warm, colorful and inviting
to our preschool children and their families. Each classroom offers plenty of
space for learning centers, circle time, arts and crafts projects. The Solel
Preschool welcomes infants from six weeks old through children in Pre-Kindergarten.
On Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, the classrooms are shared with
Raker Religious School students, ages two through 14. The Raker Religious School
benefits from the classrooms' plentiful whiteboard space, storage for teachers'
use, and bulletin-board space to display our students' work. There is also one
classroom designated as the Youth Lounge for our Temple Solel Temple Youth Group
(TSTY), grades 9 through 12. It's a great space where our Jewish youth can spend
time together.