Lights, Tapestry,
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With a new mosaic of the Red Sea parting, Temple Israel's sanctuary gets a makeover.
PHOTO S BY DANIEL L IPPITT
LYNNE MEREDITH COHN STAFF WRITER
A
large tapestry screen comes down from
the ceiling to shiela the ark whenev-
er a nonreligious program is held in
the sanctuary. When the screen lifts,
the ark that Temple Israel has owned
since its days in Detroit is revealed.
But what might first catch your eye
as you walk down the long (no longer red, now gray)
aisle of Temple Israel's sanctuary is the ornate mo-
saic pattern on either side of the ark — simulating
the parting of the Red Sea.
Designed and created by Efrem Weitzman, a
New York artist, the elaborate mosaic depicts "the
challenge that faces every Jew confronted by over-
whelming obstacles," according to a description
that is handed out to congregants at services.
The redesign began a year ago, when, for the en-
tire summer, Temple Israel closed its social hall
for a major renovation. The staff decided to begin
work on the adjacent sanctuary at the same time.
Summer services were held outdoors and in the
smaller chapel. No weddings or bar mitzvahs were
scheduled while the major renovations took place.
The artwork was installed at the temple in late
April.
"The focus was to find the proper environment
for what we feel was a precious family possession
— the ark," said David Tisdale,
president.
Top: Temple Israel's
At the same time, the temple
ark has been a part
installed a new eternal light, of the congregation
since its founding.
bimah furniture, lighting and
carpeting; soon, a new center
Bottom: This
podium will arrive.
tapestry, hand-
The mosaic depicting the sea
woven in Portugal,
is composed of pebbles from a
shields the ark
riverbed. The natural, unpol- during nonreligious
ished marble surrounding it is
programs.
intended to evoke the image of
the desert, stretched out in front of the Israelites,
while hints of gold and pearl refer to the precious-
ness of the relationship between God and the Jew-
ish people.
Above the ark, gold-leafed Hebrew letters say:
"Know before Whom you stand."
The hand-out about the mosaic design, written
by Mr. Tisdale, says: "With faith in God and our
traditions, we can overcome the problems that face
us. Imagine hovering at the shores of the Red Sea
as Pharaoh's troops are in pursuit, intent on de-
stroying you and your loved ones.
"Just as the Israelites felt hopeless, so do we
when our problems take on a life of their own.
Moses, however, is guided by God who causes the
waters to part, allowing the Israelites to reach free-
dom and survival. So, too, will we find freedom
through our trust and faith in God."
Temple Israel's Rabbi Harold Loss says, "It was
a challenge... to create a spiritual setting [so] when
you walk into the sanctuary, you feel the emotion
[we] want to feel."
While Temple Israel will not disclose the cost of
the artwork, Mr. Tisdale said, "We are fortunate
to have very generous members." ❑
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