A Tree in the Farm — Chana Gamliel

Synagogue: CSI

Location: New York

Challenge: Create a parochet for a nature-loving congregation that will accentuate their love of Mother Earth. CSI boasts a beautiful farm in its exterior and the main sanctuary’s walls are in fact glass garage doors which can be opened to allow the worshipers to become one with nature during services.

“We are a nature-loving synagogue in NY. I’d like to discuss a parochet with you. If that means I have to book a trip to Israel, I’d love to come. Please call me, Eric W.”

A smile spread over my face after reading this upbeat and excited e-mail. I’m happiest servicing congregations who are really enthusiastic about their new paochet project!

Eric shared lots of fun stories about CSI during our phone conversation later that week. I also checked out CSI’s Facebook page and saw up-to-date photos of their latest saplings.

A beautiful painting by a congregation member also inspired me when creating their parochet.

When I learned that Rabbi Kane, the spiritual leader of this congregation, would be in Jerusalem, I arranged for him, his wife and father-in-law to visit me and my top embroideress in Bayit Vegan. It was great for them to see the materials and embroidery threads up-close and to discuss their vision for a truly meaningful parochet. The verse, “Etz Chaim Hi…” was chosen for its timeless message and its connection to the nature theme that can be felt in all of CSI’s activities.

Here are two mock-ups I prepared for CSI. The colors here flow with the lively tones hand-woven onto their Torah mantels by one of the late congregation members. (I’m always looking for ways to push for a unified color-scheme and style-theme in the shul. This ‘coordinated’ look brings its beholders to a calm and serene state of mind where it’s easier to concentrate on prayer).

The materials used for this parochet are light and youthful- very modern. The prochet thus not only conveys CSI’s ‘motto’- it serves to attract a new and younger generation who can relate to its fun and energetic style.