A Shmoneh-Esrei Themed Shul

V’Ishei Israel Parochet at the Young Israel of Memphis

It’s not every day that G-d gives me the privilege of orchestrating a massive all-encompassing shul project, involving 2 parochets, 2 bima covers, 2 amud covers, 6 Torah mantels, 2 Bein Gavra covers, 1 glass+laser cut metal design and 1 laser cut passuk. But I am sooo grateful for my part in beautifying the Young Israel of Memphis’ Main Sanctuary. And enhancing the tefillos if its mispallelim.

Wanna hear about it? Let’s get started!

3 years after working with lawyer Josh Kahane to create the most show-stopping Yeshiva parochet in the world (see blog post about it here), he returned for more!

This time, we would work together on creating a truly cohesive parochet ‘set’ that would flow with the Aron Kodesh, bima, amud.

He envisioned his entire shul with a Shmoneh Esrei theme. He had high goals for his shul and B"H, I think we surpassed them all.

Here is our initial spreadsheet with the passuk and theme for each shul item:

We went all out with the symbolism and design details.

You'll notice that each letter of the main passuk is made of a blend of 5-6 embroidery thread colors.

Densely embroidered Kotel stones, in different shapes and sizes, enhance the entire background.

The right side features a long line of white pearls, as well as the Retzei bracha in small.

A long rainbow of different shaped/colored/cut Swarovski crystals flow down the left side, as well as a long multicolored line of embroidery.
The line of pure white pearls symbolizes Hashem's pure light, given to Klal Yisroel.
The line of multicolored Swarovski crystals, projecting colorful rays in all directions, symbolizes the way that Klal Yisroel accepts Hashem's pure light. Each Jew, with his own unique Avodas Hashem.

You'll also notice a few nature themes. Buds below turning into branches and leaves above. Growth through Torah.

And then there's the wide selection of fabric colors and textures and embroidery styles enhancing the whole thing.

Note how I also custom-designed and created the ribbons on the sides to match with the laser cut wavy lines on the shul furniture!

Shmoneh Esrei Themed Shul: Torah Mantel

We also made an incredible design for the 'Inner Aron'. When you open the Aron Kodesh, you see a glass-printed design, continuing the passuk from the paroches!!!

For the Torah mantels, we did: