1989

COMMISSIONED FOR congregation beth israel • margate new jersey

Intertwined trees remind us of the custom of planting a tree following the birth of a child and using the boughs to make his or her chuppah (wedding canopy). In the synagogue the bower of leaves suspends over the couple, and the fabric’s transparency allows the light from the elaborate backdrop of stained glass to shimmer through.

Several design elements pertain to marriage, including the text which means: “No man without a woman. No couple without God’s spirit.” The stencilled lettering straddles a sun-symbol which forms the letter shin, indicating both God’s name and nourishing spirit. The pomegranates further suggest growth and fruitfulness.