Congregation Beth El is a warm, inclusive Reform Jewish community located in the heart of Berkeley, California. Founded in 1945, Beth El has long been a place where people gather to celebrate Jewish life through worship, learning, social action, and connection.
Beyond its services and programs, Beth El cares for two Torah scrolls that survived the Holocaust; one from Tabor and one from Kladno, both towns in the former Czechoslovakia. These scrolls, on permanent loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust, serve as powerful reminders of survival, continuity, and faith.
To honor the story of these Torahs, Beth El had the idea to add wall murals, acrylic prints, and raised lettering signage to their space. To bring this vision to life, the congregation partnered with SpeedPro East Bay.
SpeedPro East Bay collaborated closely with Beth El’s Design Department for nearly a year, working through every stage of concept, design, fabrication, and installation. The project required not just technical precision, but a sensitive understanding of the spiritual and emotional importance behind it.
Our process began with multiple site visits to carefully assess the space measuring walls, lighting angles, and sightlines to understand how visitors would experience the display. Working together to discuss the story they wanted to tell, the tone they hoped to convey, and how materials and textures could help achieve that feeling.
The final installation included several custom-crafted components that worked together to create a cohesive, meaningful experience:
Wall Mural Art: A high-resolution mural serves as the foundation of the display, blending color, texture, and subtle imagery that supports the story of the Torahs. Printed using our Canon Colorado UV Gel printer, and applied with precision to ensure a smooth, seamless finish across the wall.
Layered Acrylic Panels: Multiple clear and frosted acrylic panels were print and cut then mounted at varying depths to create a sense of movement and depth. These panels guide the viewer’s eye while adding a reflective quality that changes with the light throughout the day.
Raised Lettering: Custom-cut dimensional lettering was fabricated and installed to enhance the visual hierarchy of the text. Each letter was measured, spaced, and mounted by hand to maintain balance and clarity across the design.
Our installation team worked with precision and patience to align everything perfectly.
Every decision was made in partnership with Beth El’s team. The result was an elegant, layered display that feels both contemporary and timeless, honoring the sacred nature of the Torahs while engaging the modern viewer.