Rizin-Boyan in Prisma Color
Synagogue: Rizin Boyan
Location: Stamford Hill, UK
Challenge: Create a youthful interpretation of a classic parochet theme. Brighten up the Aron Kodesh with a splash of color, all the while enhancing its unique architectural themes.
I received a phone call from world-renowned synagogue architect David W., introducing me to Liebel S. David had produced this magnificent Aron Kodesh that Liebel had designed for Rizin Boyan, a well-established Hassidic dynasty in Stamford Hill, UK. Liebel explained that he had been searching for a designer who could understand precisely what he was looking for. Essentially, he envisioned a large kaleidescopic Swarovski-laden crown bordered with light floral elements and a lovely bow below.
I presented them with three crown options, of which they preferred the second.
The second crown eventually developed into this prisma-color crown:
Here are the original parochet proposals:
Liebel chose the design on the right. I then embellished it by adding six shades of golds, silvers, coppers and beiges to the flower wreath, and a total of 2000 Swarovski crystals to the entire design.
This is the sketch that the client confirmed:
You’ll notice that the valance flows perfectly with the Aron Kodesh’s wooden valance. Elinor from Rikma Tova originally designed this stunning valance and I implemented Liebel’s checkerboard Swarovski idea.
After the final sketch was approved by Liebel, David and the Rizin Boyan Building Committee, I undertook the huge job of sourcing all the necessary Swarovskis for this project. There were about 2000 Swarovskis in total, and believe you me, hand-sewing and hand-gluing them to the parochet was a colossal job.
Rizin Boyan’s Gabbi, R’ Zvi S., described how, during the Chanukat HaBayit, the entire shul gasped when the Rebbe first opened the parochet. “The effect was incredible, rays of colorful light shone everyone. Just for that moment the entire project was well worth it.”
