Acoustics of Synagogues in New York City

Architectural design plays a pivotal role in shaping the acoustic experience in sacred spaces. As an example, speech intelligibility is paramount in a Protestant meeting house while the reverberant sound of a Gothic cathedral evokes a different sonic experience. So how does the sound of a synagogue sanctuary affect the ritual practices that take place within the space? In this talk, we will present an acoustic survey of historic synagogue sanctuaries in New York City, contextualized through historical and archival research. We will examine how internal furnishing, such as bimah and seating arrangements, and the use (or lack) of amplification, affect acoustics in the synagogue. Broad observations about synagogue architecture and minhagim (traditions) will be discussed through the lens of acoustics.

Elliot K. Canfield-Dafilou studies relationships between architectural acoustics and listeners, musicians, and composers. His work is multidisciplinary and frequently combines scientific and creative endeavors. He was a researcher in the Institut Jean le Rond d’Alembert at Sorbonne Université studying the aural heritage of Notre-Dame de Paris. Elliot earned his Ph.D. from the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics at Stanford University with a dissertation on Performing, Recording, and Producing Immersive Music. At Stanford, Elliot was part of the Icons of Sound project simulating Byzantine chant in the acoustics of Turkey’s Hagia Sophia. At the ISM, he will continue the exploration of how the acoustics of sacred spaces affect music and auditory perception. Learn more about Elliot’s work(Link is external).

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