Front Wall Inscriptions

The wall inscriptions on the left and right of the Ark were drawn by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, in the early Seventies at Rabbi Schechter’s request. The commission was only $50.00. Rabbi Kushner is now renowned for his books on Jewish mysticism and Hebrew calligraphy. The inscriptions were drawn in distinctive Torah script. Rabbi Kushner also designed our Temple Shaari Emeth logo.

The inscriptions are (left side as we face the ark): “Da Lifnay Mee Atah Omayd: Know Before Whom You Stand!” This quote is universally found in most synagogues above or near the ark.

“Am Yisrael Chai.- The People Israel lives!”- (right side as we face the ark) This inscription was an historic Jewish proclamation in the time immediately following World War II and Rabbi Schechter remembers learning it when, as a young student, he attended the Brandeis Camp Institute in the early1950s. It apparently was an expression used by survivors following the Shoa, the Holocaust.

Jerusalem Stone

The pink stone on the sides of the ark is authentic Jerusalem stone. Similar facing is used and even required in building construction throughout the city of Jerusalem.

Our stone was applied toward the end of the last reconstruction. Unfortunately the mastic used did not work so that prior to and during a Shabbat service, the stone blocks started falling off the wall. The Rabbi and Cantor had to move away from the Ark, off the bema, to complete the service. At the very next service Cantor Siet and Rabbi Schechter appeared wearing donated hardhats with Temple Shaari Emeth logos and Kippot glued on top.

Other bema decorations

The door harp is from Jerusalem and was found about the time Davida’s Harp by Chaim Potok was published in early 1990. It was made by a traveling street vendor in Jerusalem.

The Israeli flag was actually purchased in Jerusalem. It had to be replaced by the manufacturer when the blue color turned purple.

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