Showing posts with label New chapel at CSP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New chapel at CSP. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

The Ark is Finished!


    Build For Me a Sanctuary that I may Dwell Among You 
                 וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם
Exodus 25:8

These beautifully polished, laser cut steel letters were crafted by metal artist Stu Luxenberg. 

On a literal level, this passage from Exodus seems to have God  telling us to construct a building for God to live in.  Many commentators have also interpreted this to mean.....create a space for God inside of ourselves.


The beauty of this interpretation is that each of us has the capacity to embody godliness. In Judaism we list the attributes of God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abundant in kindness and truth, forgiving...and more. If we strive to embody these traits in ourselves then we create space within our hearts for godliness.

This new chapel is a holy space. A space not only for  residents to come for religious services, but also a space for contemplation, meditation, or just quiet.  I am grateful to those who funded the renovation of this space and to Gary Pearlman who designed this Mikdash, this sacred holy space.
Stu Luxenberg generously offered his talent and materials to create the beautiful letters.  

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

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!