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KETUBAH
TITLE:
SEASONS OF JOY
ABOUT THE DESIGN:
The wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe were architectural
wonders. Their exteriors were expertly crafted, with beautifully
carved cornices, balconies, window sashes, gables, and
tall sloping roofs. Inside, many had walls graced with
elaborate and colorful illumination depicting local flora
and fauna, zodiacal images, geometric and abstract designs,
and more. Most importantly, they were monuments of pride
and joy, centers of the community. Between the 16th and
19th centuries, scores of these synagogues dotted the Eastern
European countryside. Tragically, any left standing in
the 20th century were destroyed during World War II.
This ketubah seeks to honor these monuments. The lower portion of the ketubah
is reminiscent of the illumination one might have found gracing the interior
ceilings and walls of the synagogues. Depicted is the annual cycle of Jewish
festivals: (from upper left) Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah,
Chanukah, Shabbat, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Pesach, The Omer, and Shavuot. The
two trees growing together represent Trees of Life, the wedding chuppah, and
the intertwining of two lives. The upper portion shows the decorative wood exterior
typical of these synagogues, and serves as a symbol of the family home. The circular
window shows the new (empty) moon, marking each Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of
every month of the Jewish calendar. The prayer in gold at the top is the Shehechiyanu: Blessed
are You, Adonai, our eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, for giving us life,
for sustaining us, and for allowing us to reach this season. |
