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The Jew in Civilization Stained Glass Windows (1-8) |
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Dedicated by Mr. Robert Wolf & Family In memory of Rose and Albie Brownstein |
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Dedicated by Mrs. Miriam Gold In Memory of Benjamin (Berel) Gold |
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Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Tobin In Honor of their children, Gerald, Randi and Michael |
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CREATION |
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THE EXODUS |
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REVELATION |
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IN EGYPT |
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THE PATRIARCHS |
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30 beautiful stain glass windows tell our history and surround our Traditional Sanctuary |
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Central focus is Hebrew word ‘Yod’, symbol of God, in center of an amorphous mass. Water and land, celestial bodies, vegetation, fish, fowl and animal kingdom are shown. In oval shape, the blue circles and arrowhead, universally accepted symbols of man and woman, are united with the two strands of the *double helix*, DNA molecule, secret of life. Other color circles in oval represent the cell structure of the body. The Sabbath is symbolized by candles, kiddush cup and challah. At right is gate of Ur Chaldees from whence patriarch Abraham began his journey. |
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Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Dresner In memory of Sarah E. Dresner, William G. Dresner & Mark Elkitz |
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Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Rothstein In memory of Etta Rothstein |
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Road from the city of Ur is continued from preceding panel. Three suns, red, yellow and orange, represent shacharit, mincha and maariv prayers ascribed to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The origin of Hebrew ritual is depicted by the shofar, symbol of challenge to Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Mortality and ethics are shown as Scales of Justice portraying Jacob, Essau and Joseph. Judaism encompasses both rite and right under the talit (prayer shawl). |
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Twelve colored circles depict the twelve sons of Jacob who migrated to Egypt. The Egyptian experience from slavery to freedom is shown by the pyramids, brick wall, river Nile, bullrushes, and basket into which the infant Moses was placed. The right side contains symbols of the Ten Plagues: water into blood, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and wild beasts. Other plagues are represented by abstract shapes and colors. The theme is from subjugation to self-determination. |
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The Exodus from Egypt began with the last plague, “Death of First Born” represented by upright sword. The Holiday of Freedom is depicted by three matzot, symbols of the Kohen, Levi and Yisroel, the roasted egg, and the cup of wine. The focal episode, the dividing of the Red Sea, is shown by the blue Mogen David on dry land in the midst of the sea congealed as mountains. Onward to the Promised Land through trial and rebellion through the use of color and form. |
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God, in communication with man on Sinai, is shown as Hebrew letter “Yod” in sunburst. On humble mountain Moses received the Tem Commandments. Below are depicted the first fruits of the festival of Shavuoth, the “Time of the Giving of the Torah”. The golden calf and the tabernacle, both created during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, are the polarities of allegiance and rebellion, sacrifice and recalcitrance. |
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Dedicated by the Drossner Family In Memory of Marvin Drossner |
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THE PROMISED LAND |
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Jewish history continued under leadership of Joshua after crossing of Jordan into Canaan. The Five books of Moses, shown upright, were completed. Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still at Gibeon. The cluster of grapes carried on a pole is the symbol of the spies who brought back the report that the land was rich and fertile, “A Land Flowing With Milk and Honey.” Background red forms are symbols of enmity and hostility displayed by the surrounding nations. |
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Dedicated by Councilman and Mrs. Melvin J. Greenberg In Honor of their children Robert, Renay and Debra |
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A NEW NATION |
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The Promised Land was divided among the tribes. The High Priest’s breastplate of colored jewels, representing the Twelve Tribes, is reproduced in a map of Canaan showing tribal location. Era of Joshua gave way to the period of the Judges and subsequent federation of Tribes under Samuel, symbolized by the gavel superimposed on crown. The transition from loose confederation to national monarchy and its danger is shown as red path at lower right. |
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Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Reif In honor of son David*s Bar Mitzvah, January 4, 1975 |
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MONARCHY |
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The three parts of the window focus on the three kings of the first commonwealth. The blue ellipse with crown in the red circle depicts King Saul, King David, the Psalmist, crown on harp, floats over the capital city of Jerusalem. Here it is represented by both the ancient and modern architecture synthesizing old and new. Crown of King Solomon is over the front fa’ade of the Temple, and the horned altar of burnt offerings. The cedars of Lebanon surround Temple Mount. |
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Congregations of Shaare Shamayim |
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BETH JUDAH-BETH TEFILATH ISRAEL-RODEPH ZEDEK- BETH CHAIM-BETH EMETH-B'NAI YITZHOK |
