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"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.
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PLACHTE-ZUIEBACK
ART GLASS