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The light that emanates from the twelve stained glass windows bathes the Abbell Synagogue at theHadassah University Medical Center in a special glow. The sun filters through the brilliant colors of the stained glass capturing their radiance. Even in the misty haze of a cloudy day, Chagall's genius transforms time and space.
The synagogue's Jerusalem stone floor and walls absorb this beauty and reflect it. Standing within the simple square that forms the pedestal for the windows, gazing up at the vivid imagery, the Jewish symbols, the floating figures of animals, fish and flowers, even the most casual viewer is overwhelmed by their power and presence.
Every pane is a microcosm of Chagall's world, real and imaginary; of his love for his people, his deep sense of identification with Jewish history, his early life in the Russian shtetl.
"All the time I was working, I felt my mother and father looking over my shoulder; and behind them were Jews, millions of other vanished Jews -- of yesterday and a thousand years ago," Chagall said.
The Bible was his primary inspiration, particularly Jacob's blessings on his twelve sons and Moses' blessings on the twelve tribes. Each window is dominated by a specific color and contains a quotation from the individual blessings.
Chagall and his assistant, Charles Marq, worked on the project for two years, during which time Marq developed a special process for applying color to the glass. This allowed Chagall to use as many as three colors on a single pane, rather than being confined to the traditional technique of separating each colored pane by a lead strip.
The synagogue was dedicated in the presence of the artist on February 6, 1962 as part of Hadassah's Golden Anniversary Celebration.
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When were the Chagall windows constructed?
Marc Chagall (July 7, 1887 – March 28, 1985) created the famous set of twelve 'blue' windows in 1961. They are located in the Synagogue of the Hadassah university hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. He also created 2 windows for the Cathedral in Metz, 1960 and 1962.
Where is the world's biggest Jewish synagogue?
The Great Belz Synagogue in Jerusalem is likely the biggest Jewish synagogue in the world currently.
What was the purpose of the women's organization Hadassah when it was founded?
Hadassah (the Women's Zionist Organization of America) is a Jewish-American volunteer organization founded in 1912. It is a volunteer organization that enhances the health of people worldwide through its support of medical care and research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem.
Does a synagogue face Jerusalem?
Yes, a synagogue should face Jerusalem. We learn this from Daniel, who prayed facing Jerusalem (Daniel 6:11).
What is the largest Jewish Synagogue in the world?
The largest Jewish Synagogue in the world is probably the Beiz Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, Israel. The main sanctuary can seat up to six thousand people.
What way does the Synagogue face?
Towards Jerusalem (1 Kings ch.8).
When was Hadassah created?
Hadassah was created in 1912.
What are ancient places of Jewish worship other than the synagogue?
The Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
When was Tzur Hadassah created?
Tzur Hadassah was created in 1960.
What is the population of Tzur Hadassah?
Tzur Hadassah's population is 6,100.
When was Hadassah Lieberman born?
Hadassah Lieberman was born in 1948.
When was Neve Hadassah created?
Neve Hadassah was created in 1949.
