Tifereth Israel Congregation

Rennovated Ark Dedicated

By Heike Bailin

Fine Arts Committee Report

 

On Shabbat Hanukkah, December 27, 2008, Tifereth Israel dedicated the Aron (Ark) after a major remake.  Gone is the vaulted rear wall and ceiling with its starry little lights. No more burgundy velvet or shelves (we might yet miss them).  The heavy blue-and-gold parokhet (curtain) is now sheer and light.

 

In the search for a new design for the Ark TI’s Fine Arts Committee (FAC) members had tossed around many ideas until the Torah itself provided the design.  After a lull in activity in late 2005 the FAC reconvened to revisit the Ark project. The annual Torah cycle had come to Parashat Terumah and a few weeks later Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei.  And there they were, the instructions to Moses and the Israelites.

 

Biblical Sources of Design

 

The parokhet that separates the Holy of Holies from the holy space within the tent of meeting was to be  “a curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarns, and fine twisted linen.  The people were to be separated by a masach, a screen of similar colors “done in embroidery at the entrance of the tent.”

 

Together with fabric artist Karen Fricke, the FAC developed this modern artistic interpretation of a holy space.  The inner parokhet, solid, opaque and splendidly colored. radiates out from brightness to sumptuous dark blues and purples and deep red-violet crimson, with beautifully dressed Torahs “floating” atop.

 

The congregation “sees” this main piece through the masach;  when the front curtain is drawn, the inner parokhet is veiled.  When we draw back the veil, we now see the full splendor of color and texture.

 

Torah Mantles

 

The Torahs contrast with the background in the center and blend more at the periphery.  Some Torah mantles have pomegranates and fruit applied, some are plain double woven dupioni silk to allow the silver breast plates to serve as stand-alone décor.

 

The quilting technique of Torah mantles is an added layer of the vision. The intricate stitching designs are seen as you are close to the Torah, or hold one. This continuous threading integrates bells and pomegranates, floral patterns and the names of donors to the project.

 

Ark Doors

 

The gorgeous doors deserve mention too even if we won’t see them during most of our regular Shabbat services. They’re made from differently textured maple woods. We selected this with an eye to pulling together the disparate design elements in our sanctuary.

 

Evolution of Project

 

The project started small:  Replace the curtain.  The scope quickly expanded as we noticed the wear and tear of many components of the Ark from worn velvet, torn mantles to warped doors.

 

Key Donations

 

A great boost came when an anonymous donor made a five-figure donation.  The only condition was “get it done.”

 

Many other generous donations from congregants helped round out the amount needed to complete the project. To all of you who contributed, we thank you.

 

Executive Office Coordination

 

David Zinner and Adriana Sandler coordinated fundraising and the logistics of communications and meetings between the FAC and the House Committee, the Board, Executive Committee, and the contractors. 

 

Selection of Artist

 

During a material research excursion to G Street Fabrics we saw Karen Fricke’s art exhibited. The FAC--at that time Alene Moyer, Audrey Smith, Anita Isicson, Cyndy Weitz, Laura Burd Schiavo, and Heike Bailin--chose Karen to create this work of art for TI  because she wanted to work with us and our ideas, because we perceived her artistic methods as most compatible with TI sensibilities. And it worked.  We drew from ancient ideas and she made the dream come true with textiles she’s collected from around the world.

 

Decision-Making Process

 

It was really rewarding to have very different TIers come together:  we argued, listened, more often than not agreed, voted when there wasn’t a clear consensus, and then moved forward.  At times it seemed endless, but  it was ultimately a democratic process.

 

For this dedication the prophet’s poetry for the Hanukkah haftarah echoes the sentiment of renewal.  It speaks of the tension between despair and survival, written  during a more hopeful period in Judah’s history after much destruction.  Another vision, another dream: 

“Not by might nor by power but by My spirit said the Lord of Hosts.”