When I Am Not Making Glass

Well, it's been a little quiet in blog land...but I have been busy with a few things!

I just came back from an amazing retreat to the Oregon Coast ....where good food, relaxation, and lovely walks on the beach nourished my belly and my soul.

For several years I have taught a writing class at Rose Schnitzer Manor, an independent and assisted living facility right here in Portland. The group named themselves Older But Wiser several years ago. This is one of the most delightful groups of folks I know....and the average age hovers in the low 90's!

This year we have focused on the art of story telling, inspired by podcasts of THE MOTH.

They are now ready to perform. Each story is only 5-7 minutes long. They are humorous and wise.
They are also true stories. I can't boast enough about these incredible souls! I may be their teacher, but each of them is mentoring me in the fine art of aging well. Won't you join us?  We have a rehearsal at Rose Schnitzer Manor in Zidell Hall, August 21st at 7 pm but I want to encourage attendance at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland OR....September 4.
Admission is of course, free.

New Mezuzot for Chapel

These are the two new mezuzot I made for the remodeled chapel at Robison Jewish Home @ Cedar Sinai Park in Portland.

The Chapel has been named in memory Sarah Glasgow Cogan z"l and it also houses the ark doors I made.

The orange and the red glass is the same as was used for the flowers in the ark door windows.

NER TAMID: The Eternal Light

OK...it's not the best picture...and it isn't installed yet. 

What you see is a mid-century modern swag lamp that was just wood and metal. 

We found it hanging in an antique shop and snagged it immediately.

Gary (Pearlman) lovingly took it apart and spray painted the shiny brass metal rings (top and bottom, and the end cap a more pleasing pewter. I have glued in iridized red glass rectangles into the large spaces while allowing light to come through the the narrow slots.

I am looking forward to seeing the whole picture of Ark, still cut letters, glass and the Ner Tamid.

Stay tuned. I promise to pictures!

The ark and Amud

The ark and shtender are in place and the chapel is taking on a greater feeling of completion!

I wish I could hurry the glass along, but these things take time.

What is a shtender? It's yiddish for a stand.... a book stand. Think of it as a reading stand.

Typically a bimah is a raised "stage" area where we place a shtender or amud (hebrew).  In the old days, the bimah was in the middle of the room. It is more common to see it in the front of the sanctuary now. The shtender was usually placed in the front  but now typically is located on the bimah.

Because we want the chapel to be as accessible as possible to all, there is no raised "stage." Its a smooth walk or roll up for those with walkers or wheel chairs.

At a later date I'll tell you about the builder of these items, as well as some of their special features.

Knowing When to Stop!

Knowing when to stop or at least when to take a break can be challenging when you want to just push through and "git 'er done!"

If I cut myself (even a little bit) it's time to take a break. Where there are competing projects....like Thanksgiving Dinner, I stop.

I raced against the clock today, but it is almost Shabbat...so I stop.

Leaves and vines have been cut out of paper and glued into place.
My father's tailoring tape measure served as inspiration and a reminder today to place the pieces as closely as possible to conserve glass. I don't want to have to go buy another piece in order to finish the project. Sunday I will resume my efforts and hope that pane #2 (middle left door) will be ready for the kiln by Monday at the latest.

In case you are tuning in to my blog now, let me catch you up.
Robison Jewish Home has been renovated thanks to the generosity of many....especially the Schnitzer Family. The new building is the Harold Schnitzer Health and Rehabilitation Center. The Chapel is currently also being renovated thanks to the generosity of the Glasgow/Cogan Families in memory of Sarah Glasgow Cogan. 

The ark has been designed (by Gary Pearlman) and it is complete, save for the glass window inserts (which I a making.) It's an exciting opportunity...and I will talk more about the people who are making this project happen in future blogs....but...I have to race against sundown, so for now....

...Shabbat Shalom Y'all!

The beginning of a New Glass Journey

Green, green amber, striker orange and red
iridized glass

I've been involved in various volunteer efforts for Cedar Sinai Park for many years.....so many that I don't have an exact number. I remember being there with my mom to visit  patients and residents and often playing accordion and guitar for various programs there. I've been helping to lead services and since my retirement from the school district I have been volunteering as a writing teacher, service leader, hebrew tutor, and I also serve on the board of directors.

If you don't know about this amazing organization, you should. It is a model for how to provide services to those who need convalescent care as well as for the elders in our community who desire independence or semi independence in a stimulating environment that feels like HOME! 
Go to: cedarsinaipark.org to learn more.

Lots of construction has been happening on site as new buildings have been built and the old building is getting a remarkable facelift. The synagogue at Robison home has been gutted...and as I write this, drywalling is happening.  A brand new ark has been designed by Gary Pearlman, a most talented artist and interior designer. We recently worked together on a metal and glass Tree of Life for the synagogue lobby of Congregation Neveh Shalom....and NOW I am thrilled to be part of this new project. I'm going to build 6 fused panels for the ark doors. Each panel will be 15"x18". This is a new endeavor on a few fronts for me, so I want to chronicle this adventure here in my blog.

Step 1: Consult on the design with Gary and discuss the limitations and advantages of fusing vs. stained glass. 2hrs

Step 2: A field trip to Bullseye Glass. 1 hr

Step 3: A trip to a large format copy machine to create 2 full size cartoon patterns. 30 min

more tomorrow!

Total time to date : 3.5 hrs