Throughout the generations, Synagogues were built in every shape and style known by the history of art. From Renaissance to Baroque, from marble floor to colonnade.
However, in recent centuries, the wooden decorated synagogue became a symbol of Jewish art.
The following article will examine types of art used in designing Synagogue Holy Arks throughout the ages.
How to design Holiness?
While planning a Synagogue structure, the meaning of the place as “little Temple”, the place where the Divine Presence dwells is needed to be considered. The Synagogue design, from top to bottom, is planned to reflect sacredness. It is important to combine different artistic styles that convey splendor and strength. Contemporary art alongside traditional art that dates thousands of years back, originating in Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora and in Eretz Israel.
Types of art in Aronot Kodesh
The Synagogue’s central element is the Aron Kodesh, on which the design concept is based. The rest of the designs and carpentry works are derived from this main piece of furniture.
In the design of the Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh), both traditional and modern techniques are used. It is customary to combine at least two types of art.
Following are a few alternatives you can combine in your Aron-Kodesh Design.
Wood carvings
An art form used in 12th century for Holy Arks. Wood sculpture work used to create separate elements, as well as engraving and sculpting shapes and letters on the Aron Kodesh.
Hammered metal Art
An ancient form of art, dating back to the Second Temple period. Using hammer and chisel, various forms are embedded on a metallic sheet surface. The Holy Ark can be embedded in various design elements such as the Ten Tribes, Crowns, Pomegranates and more.
Metal work
The art of metal designing and hand-made metal processing is thousands of years old. The metal work is used to create designed knobs and different moldings.
Veneer Incursion
Painting with veneer grafting – the veneer is a thin layer of solid wood which used to combine different illustrations and elements made of fine natural wood and plant them on the Holy Ark.
Gold and silver coated metal works
Metal decorative elements processing in the appearance of pure gold or pure silver, in order to create replicas of biblical holy objects such as winged Cherubim, pomegranates, Menorah etc.
Local stone and marble works
The temple itself was built of Jerusalem stone. Herod, who renovated the Temple, turned it into a masterpiece using marble cladding. Full marble Holy Arks were built in the 18th century in Italy. The addition of local stone and marble in the Holy Ark design creates a fusion between holiness and splendor and the connection to the land and the place.
Glass work
Glass is a wonderful material from which you can create a variety of spectacular designs such as stained glass, mosaic, fusing and more. A variety of glass elements can be combined in the Holy Ark.
Fusing
Hot glass sculpting, using patterns. The Holy Ark can be decorated with a variety of original glass objects and fusing products. It can also be used as lighting fixtures.
Advanced cutting – CNC, Laser and Water jet
Precise cutting technologies developed over the past few years. These cutting techniques present perfect results and top level finish, even when a repetition of tens and hundreds of complex elements is required. Artistic cutting can be done in wood, brass, marble, metals and more.
Textile work
Fine fabrics are an integral part of the Holy Ark since the time of the Bible and the construction of the Mishkan. The Holy Ark Parochet (Torah Curtain) can be designed in a variety of styles. Other textile additions are artistic upholstery, curtains and more.
Stone carving
An ancient craft traced back to ancient civilizations. Stone carving is done by hammer and chisel. The art of stone carving conveys strength and rootedness. The structure of the ark itself can be carved in stone, or add stone columns and engrave them with decorations and elements such as button and flower, pomegranates, leaves and more.
Artistic lighting fixtures
Light has always been an important element in the synagogue. Like the eternal light, a large part of the synagogue’s lighting remains on, and therefore it is very important to choose energy-efficient and durable lighting fixtures. While designing the Holy Ark it is worthy to combine artistic lighting that radiates aesthetics and splendor. There are hidden or visible lighting fixtures as well as various types of light beams (wide or narrow) in different colors, and various optical accessories.
“Gabriel Holy design” has extensive experience in designing synagogues and Batei Midrash for a variety of Jewish communities and a variety of Jewish streams.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation meeting.
[…] structure of the synagogue has not undergone many changes over the years. It includes the Holy Ark – in which Torah scrolls are kept, and the Bimah – a raised platform from which the […]