The
"Shema," the ultimate expression of one-ness,
the call to witness the one-ness of God. The enlarged
"Ayin" and "Daled," spell the word,
"aid," to witness. The Shema is a call
to witness the first commandment. "Anochi
Adonai," the acknowledgement of God. The
context of this window becomes one of "Hiddur Mitzvah,"
i.e. the artistic embellishment and glorification of
the first commandment. Also, in viewing this window,
we are "witnessing" the scene at Sinai:
the Jews encamped before the mountain, experiencing
God, first hand.
Six
species of Biblical fruit frame the composition.
Pomegranate, symbol of Torah, by virtue of it's 613
seeds; Myrtle, symbol of marriage, joy, peace and tranquility;
Grapes, symbol of blessing and the connection of man
and God; Olives, symbol of peace and light; Figs, contender
for the Tree of Life; Almonds, first tree to flower
in Spring.
54
phases of the moon surround the composition. The
Shema is rendered in 36 languages on the border.
|