RICHARD M PARRISH

The making of the windows at Temple Beth Sholom was truly a collaboration. In the larger sense, it was a collaboration between Rabbi Cohen, representatives of the Congregation, Richard Berliner Architects, and many others. Artistically, it was a true joint effort between the two of us, with a lot of assistance from Bullseye Glass Company and Westar Solutions, among many. We (Steve and Richard) have collaborated with each other for years as artists and teachers. It was a truly wonderful experience to work together as partners on these windows.

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When we were asked to make windows for the rebuilding of Temple Beth Sholom, we were quite excited. We did not want to just make windows. We wanted to create something special that would have meaning for the building and for the congregation. We suggested windows that would blend with the contemporary building, tell a story, and have traditional content.

 

After meeting with the Temple’s committee and Rabbi, we proposed to present a brief history of Judaism through images of iconic and important Synagogues. Our story started with Herod’s Temple in 70 CE and depicts Synagogues through centuries, culminating with Plum Street, the first reform Synagogue in n the United States, built in 1865. The images are silkscreened with glass powder on the Sanctuary side of the wall. The other side of the glass, facing into the Living Room, is textured to compliment the stunning wall of Jerusalem Stone.

 

Traditional jewel tone colors were used for the glass, related to the twelve tribes of Israel.