Art at Congregation Albert - October 2005

Celebrating the New Year seems a good time to enhance our appreciation of the inspiring artwork which surrounds us in our Sanctuary and elsewhere. This month, we feature the maple Ark and silkscreen acrylic window, "Lights of the Generations," above the Ark. The door panels represent the creation of light in Genesis: "And God said, `Let there be light! And there was light." Each panel also represents a Sabbath light; they point upward toward the window.

The sculpture encompasses the history and spirit of the Jewish people. The seven layers depict the lights of Creation, Redemption, Revelation, Remembrance, Spirituality, Hope and Generations. The rising flame reflects ancient synagogues, the Torah and the twelve tribes of Israel. The lights mingle to reveal a vow of remembrance to Holocaust victims in the word Zachor, Remember! Shapes of the Star of David turn into wings of a peace dove and a seven branched menorah, symbols of the light of hope.

Artist and member Hilda Appel Volkin http://www.dsg-art.com/v/volkin/ created the sculpture in 1988, for the opening of the new Sanctuary. Her work is represented in both local and national commissions, and in permanent collections nationally. The builder of the Ark is member Joel Wheeler of J Wheeler LTD, crafters of fine furniture.

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