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ABOUT the PAINTING, “ANOTHER TIME in PRAGUE”
by artist MILDRED LAPSON |
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During the holocaust, countless treasures were stolen from the Jews. The filigreed spice cup depicted in the painting is typical of the many ancient ritual objects that were seized by the Nazis. The old clock tower that still stands in Prague, Czechoslovakia, represents another time in Jewish history. The upper clock of the tower has Roman Numerals, while the large, main clock face has Hebrew Numerals. In the background of the painting, are superimposed the shapes of the “Tablets”. The shapes of Stars of David can be seen superimposed as well. |
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About the painting, “HINENI” by artist MILDRED LAPSON |
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The Hebrew chant named “Hineni” is an ancient prayer that is at the very heart of the Yom Kippur Service.
It took the artist her two years of thinking and composing in her mind, about how she was going to handle the expression of such a powerful theme.
In the interpretation of the subject, as in the prayer itself, the Cantor who is chanting “HINENI”, takes upon himself the sins of all. In complete supplication, he pleads to G-d for forgiveness of his sins. His face reflects his passion and supplication, while his hands reflect the power of his humble plea to G-d.
The rays of light around his hands lead you to the upper area of the painting, where the shapes of the Ten Commandments can be seen. Over the Cantor’s head is the first Commandment, with the Hebrew Aleph, the root of which is similar in several languages. It is the first letter in the alphabet, and it also represents the first number - - one, and signifies that there is One G-d.
Super imposed on the left side are symbolic stars of David. |
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*The
stained glass windows framing the arc depict the 12 tribes of
Israel. Beginning in the upper right corner, the names of the tribes
are Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Reuben, Simeon, Gad, and continuing at
the top left, Joseph, Levi, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.
**In 1980 a fire lit by Neo-Nazi arsonists destroyed the Sanctuary
of Temple Beth David. In rebuilding the sanctuary, renowned stained
glass artist Dr. Joseph Young was commissioned to create windows on
the eastern wall and framing the Ark. Dr. Young's artistry and love
of Judaism is apparent in the outstanding result of that request.
The pyramids in the upper left corner of the window symbolize the
domination of Egypt and other influences in early Jewish history.
Below the pyramids is the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was a
protective box containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which
in ancient times was carried by priests and led the Jews into
battle. The wings above the Ark depict the artist's conception of
the Seraphim.In the lower left corner are the brown and red bricks
representing the Western Wall of the destroyed first temple.
To the right of the Ark of the Covenant stands the Arch of Titus. It
was built by the Romans to celebrate their victory over Judea after
three bitter years of war (67-70 G.E.). It still stands in Rome
overlooking the Forum. On one of the inner panels are carvings
depicting soldiers crowned with laurel leaves and carrying sacred
objects they had plundered from the Temple in Jerusalem before
destroying it. For centuries the Jews in Rome would walk long
distances to avoid passing this memorial.
Above the Arch of Titus is an interpretation of the Hanging Gardens
of Babylon, itself a representation of the Jewish people's long
exile to Babylonia. The capital, Ur, was the birthplace of the
patriarch Abraham. In about the 8th century B.C.E. the kingdom of
Israel was captured and many of its inhabitants deported to
Babylonia. In about 587 B.C.E. Jerusalem was destroyed completely by
King Nebuchadnezzar II and all remaining Jews were exiled to
Babylonia. In Babylonia the kings gave the Jews wide autonomy in
religious and spiritual matters, and allowed them to engage freely
in agriculture and trade. During succeeding centuries, under Persian
rule, Babylonia became one of the greatest Jewish centers, second
only to Israel in influence and importance.
Below the Hanging Gardens a Tallit is depicted. It is the
traditional prayer shawl, the wearing of which at worship is
customary by males of Bar Mitzvah age and older, as well as by women
in more liberal congregations. The Tallit is one of the most
traditional symbols of Judaism.
Surrounding the Tallit are the beginnings of the flames that are
prominent through the rest of the window. They represent the
expulsions, attacks, and burning of Jewish books and Temples
encountered by the Jews throughout all of our history.
To the right of the Tallit is a Torah. The literal definition of
Torah is "guidance or instruction". The actual Torah is a scroll
consisting of the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Genesis is the creation of the world,
and the early history of the Hebrews. In Exodus is the departure
from Egyptian bondage and the receiving of the Torah. In Leviticus
are the laws for the priests, and rituals of Judaism. In Numbers is
the forty year trek through the desert and the reaching of the
border to the Promised Land. And finally in Deuteronomy Moses
repeats God's laws for the people who have grown up in the desert.
Central to Israel's mission was the giving of the Torah, with it's
values, ethics, and legacy of humanity.
Looking to the right you will see three sets of arcs that intersect
with the center beam of the wall. On the other side of the beam
there are three identical arcs. These six arcs and the center beam
make up a seven branched Menorah, or candelabra. This is an
internationally recognized symbol for Judaism, and is actually the
centerpiece of the window. You will also see sun rays emanating from
the center of the Menorah, inspired by the biblical quote used by
Dr. Young in his original drawings of the window, "The spirit of man
is the lamp of the Lord".
Beneath the branches of the Menorah are 11 spheres. They are symbols
for the Kabbalistic mysticism of Judaism. The mystical Kabbalah was
an attempt to understand the mysteries of God and Creation. Each of
the spheres represents one aspect of divine existence. The first is
called Keter (Crown), followed by Hokhmah (Wisdom), Binah
(Intelligence), Hased (Mercy), Din (Judgement), Gevurah (Strength),
Tiferet (Beaury), Netzah (Victory), Hod (Glory), Yesod (Foundation),
and Malkhut (Kingdom). The eleventh sphere is the Adam Kedom, the
primordial force, an emanation of the creator.
Next there are more flames which lead past the black Tallit, to the
barbed wire fences of the concentration camps of the Holocaust. The
flames singe the black Tallit but never consume it, just as Judaism
was threatened but never destroyed.
Emerging on the other side of the flames stands the modern symbol
for Israel, the seven branched Menorah. Its design is that of the
one that rises outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament.
The green and brown base on which the Menorah stands and extending
off to the right, represents the free fields of modern day Israel.
Jews who have made aliyah (return) to Israel have transformed the
barren desert into a productive and sustaining oasis.
The tiny pyramid in the upper right corner of the window represents
the diminished dominance of Egypt and other cultures over the people
of Israel.
*Courtesy of Aaron Bogad's Bar Mitzah Project June 20, 1992
The Twelve Tribes
