These curtains are made from hand-printed silk. Fiber artist Morna McGoldrick Livingston, extensively researched imagery for these curtains and chose a theme that centers on the pomegranate. Exodus states that the image of the pomegranate should be woven into the hems of the robes worn by the Kohanim. The pomegranate is also viewed as a symbol of righteousness; it is said that the pomegranate has 613 seeds which corresponds to the 613 commandments in the Torah.
Reading Stands
Both of these readers stands are from the synagogue on Vine Street. In olden days, the davener (one who is leading prayers) stood with his back to the congregation unlike our current practice which is for daveners to face the congregation. Because of this change, the drapes on the reader’s stand is used to hide the shelves used to store the books and religious items needed for services.
Ner Tamid (Eternal Light)
This light above the ark was fashioned from an antique bought at auction in the mid-1970’s by Bernard and Barbara Bernstein and Mitchell and Natalie Robinson during a visit to New York City. It was reconstructed to become this Ner Tamid which required adding electrical wiring and the links from which it hangs. There is a Ner Tamid in every sanctuary; this light is always on symbolizing that God is always present.
Menorah
The menorah (candelabra) on the upper right side of the wall was designed and created by artist Philip Livingston.