Bimah textiles for The Village Shul

2000-1

OUTER CURTAIN, VALANCE, TAPESTRY, BOLSTER, LECTURN AND TABLE COVERS • TORONTO ONTARIO

This textile suite develops the theme like nesting dolls.

On the valance a seven-branched menorah extends into the tree on the tapestry.

On the outer curtains the appliqué graphic suggest the massive bronze columns, Jakhin and Boaz that flanked the entrance to Solomon’s Temple.

On the tapestry a tree grows from its roots: the Patriarchs (gold rectangles) and Matriarchs (rose moon shapes). The side sections reference the shtetl. The centre “window” opens towards a golden Jerusalem.  Shown in the detail is a religious visitor holding his cell phone against the Western Wall.

The mantles incorporate frequently used Ashkenazic images: lions, a symbol of royalty and power; the crown of Torah; a pomegranate which midrash claims has 613 seeds. The breastplate panel has 12 rays of light honouring the donor’s son Jehoshua (10) Baruch (2).

See the chuppah bower later commissioned for the bimah.