Red-Hot Moroccan Parochet
Sephardic Synagogue Face-Lift
Congregation Beth Hamidrash, Vancouver , Canada
Ooh la la! Boy did I have fun with this project!
So I get this email the other day (or year?):
"Hi, I am looking at the beautiful Biala Parochet you made and wanted to know if you could do a similar design for us with around 10 names (Leluy nishmat) but using our new Shul logo which looks quite similar to this design.
Our Shul website is: www.bethhamidrash.com.
Could you give me a rough estimate approximately what the price range would be.
Thanks."
This was the ‘Before’ parochet.
Dark burgundy velvet with two Stars of David and wreaths.
Didn't flow with the modern decor at all.
But we did end up doing two panels for the new parochet, even though I prefer one-panel parochets.
The Aron Kodesh door mechanism could function better that way.
My response:
"Hi Rabbi Gabay,
Thanks so much for reaching out! I took a look at every page of your beautiful website and got a real feel of the only Sephardic shul in Canada, west of Toronto! Wow! What an accomplishment. Both your shul and your logo give over this fresh, young, Sephardic vibe and I love it!
I am actually originally from a very Moroccan part of Montreal; my father left Morocco when he was 21 and I have Sephardic culture running through my veins!
So I hear you are inspired by the Biala Parochet. (Have you ever visited there?) It’s a real beauty piece, eh? B”H! But more than that, it is very meaningful. And I worked hand in hand with their shul designer to ensure that it would coordinate with the interior to the max.
Your shul logo does indeed lend itself to this type of design. Honestly, this style of centered design works better when there is one pole, not two. You might want to consider reinstalling a new pole, just an idea. In any case, I would create a brand new design for you, with swirly elements that would look less Chassidish, and more Sephardic. I also noticed that your Sanctuary contains quite a few touches of burnt red and turquoise. It could be really nice to include those colors in your new parochet."
Above, clockwise: 1- Beth HaMidrash's new website, designed by the Rebbetzin, world-famous designer and branding expert, Rachel Gabay. 2- My initial sketch, based on the shul logo, which is an understated Sephardic Sefer Torah. 3- My endless instructions for my digitizer! We pulled all the stops when it came to thread and fabric selections. 4- Some inspo, based on the shul's magnificent mosaics.
In order to ensure that my design would truly flow with Congregation Beth HaMidrash's modern interior, I asked the Rabbi to please give me a video tour of the shul!
He actually sent me 4 videos- the entry to the shul, the Ezrat Nashim, the Aron Kodesh and the main sanctuary in general.
Here we get a glimpse of the beautiful mosaics with rich Sephardic symbolism surrounding the Ezrat Nashim.
Note how I transferred the colors, motifs and styles from the interior directly into the parochet!
The preliminary sketch.
"Good morning Rabbi Gabay,
B"H, I'm thrilled to present you with the preliminary sketch of your parochet!
What do we have here?
Elegance.
Sephardi flavor.
Coordinating colors and themes to your interior.
15 dedication names...
I was inspired by the refined, understated elegance of your sanctuary and attempted to incorporate all its beautiful design elements in your parochet. In a very thoughtful, non-ungepatchket way! Hahahah
You'll notice the 'mosaic' symbol corners. Each corner shape is reminiscent of the triangular arches adorning your Ezras Nashim and the main window above the Aron Kodesh. I picked up on the symbols in your space as well as the traditional Jewish mosaic motif.
I decided to use the color of your columns as the background material, to 'bring the room together'. Your carpets' 3 prominent hues are front and center in the parochet.
I really love the ornate, 'illustrated manuscript' style chairs on your Mizrach wall. You'll notice two peacocks feeling quite comfortable on your parochet, as well as pomegranates and elegant swirls.
I'd LOVE to hear your and your wife's thoughts on the entire concept."
FEEDBACK: RACHEL AND RABBI GABAY:
P.S.- I couldn't help adding an extravagantly embroidered peacock to each parochet, after beholding the medieval-style engraved peacocks on the Mizrach chairs. :)