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Following up our recent post about the history of our sanctuary now 30 years in service, here's another document from the Genesis archives. On the occasion of the Jewish High Holy Days, this week we reprint an undated Temple Beth Emeth handout describing the symbolism of the ark and the individuals involved in its design.
Temma Gentles, a Toronto artist, created the ark's quilted tapestry background, torah covers, and gold leaf gates and template in 1996-7. These art works represent two major themes: light (as in the menorah), and the number seven in the mystical Jewish tradition (as in the seven-branched menorah and seven species on the gold-leaf doors). Here are some of the symbols you see, and their meanings:
Tapestry Background
(best viewed when the gates are open and the torahs removed)
Mercy, etc. — Along the left side are the seven earthly Sefirot of Kabbalah, which signify our spiritual points of connection with God. These are mercy, judgment, beauty, victory, majesty, foundation and realm (a.k.a. kingdom).
Menorah — The seven-branched menorah evokes the continuity of tradition from the original menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem to modern day.
Hands — The hands on the lower right evoke the hand position of the priestly blessing,
"May the Lord Bless You and Keep You..." and resemble the Hebrew letter shin, representing God's name. The pear-shaped menorah base (actually filled with a delicate overlay of red flowered lace) represents the light of Shekhina–God's feminine aspect–shining through the hands.
Torah
Torah covers — These are bordered with pomegranates and bells. One of the Torah's first references (Exodus 28: 33-34) to textile art describes these shapes being embroidered on the high priests' robes. The Torah itself is a symbol of truth, enlightenment, and light.
Navi (Prophet) Scroll — Thanks to the generosity of Judy and Paul Freedman, Temple Beth Emeth owns a Navi scroll in addition to our Torah scrolls. A Navi scroll contains the Haftarah sections read on Shabbat mornings. Our sages paired these additional readings from the prophetic books with each weekly Torah portion. The scroll cover was a cooperative effort by Temple Beth Emeth congregants. Marianne Aaron created the design, using Rabbi Emeritus Robert Levy's suggestion of displaying a lion next to a lamb. The Hebrew Navi (Prophet) was embroidered onto different colored satin ribbons. Marianne also used a ribbon trim of little gold disks for the leaves of the tree, writing the names of the prophets on them. Ann Mark added a few decorative elements, lined the mantle and bound the cover with hand stitching. The wood armature was crafted by Marty Ludington.
Gold-leaf Gates
The gates in front of the scrolls illustrate the quote on the outer doors. Look closely and you'll see the traditional seven species associated with the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:8): wheat, barley, dates, figs, grapes, olives, and pomegranate. Little bells hang down and jingle when the doors open and close, like the bells on the Torah crowns. An Omer counter tracks the 49 days of the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. On each day of the Omer, a round magnet is affixed onto one of the 49 wheat seeds.
Template on the Outer Doors — "Blessed is the one who trusts in Adonoi, who shall be like a tree planted by water: it has no fear in a year of drought; it does not cease to yield fruit" is a Haftarah quote (Jeremiah 17: 7-8) and in the shape of a river. To Temma, this quote seemed apropos - Ann Arbor is the tree (arbor) planted by water (Huron River) and our congregation has faith and structure, which will help it survive.
TBE is grateful to Richard and Ruth Petit, Harold and Marylen Oberman, and Linda Shain for their contributions to the beauty of the Ark; to Morry and Lorraine Mitz (Natalie Palay's parents) for their contribution to the torah covers in honor of their grandchildren; and to Rita and Charles Gelman, for their contribution to the torah covers.
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