Torah Cover used during the Mi Sheberakh, the traditional prayer for healing, natural linen, donated by artist to her synagoguge, Adat Shalom.

In thinking about the Torah covers, I wanted to use a fiber that expressed the essence of Adat Shalom. I chose natural linen as an alternative to the more traditional silk or velvet as a fiber that is both reminiscent of the past – it has been cultivated for 7,000 years and was used throughout Biblical times, including for wall hangings for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:4) and, in its earthiness, suggests new growth for the future. I used linen in its natural color, which offers depth of hue uncommon in dyed yarns. Finally, I kept the pattern simple to complement the complexity of the torah and to coordinate with Adat Shalom’s beautiful sanctuary.

In designing a community tallit for Adat Shalom's congregants to wear at group aliyahs, I wanted to capture the Reconstructionist philosophy of being one community among many. I used a supplementary back beam to weave two different patterns that interlaced into one cloth. I wove both patterns out of natural fine tussah silk, to emphasize the sharing of resources and the lines that sometimes distinguish, sometimes bind, communities together. The tallit's luster is intended to reflect, and draw the community into, the Torah.

Consider donating a parochet (ark curtains), torah cover, or bima cover on the occassion of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, or birth.

Jewishweaving.com will work with you, and the synagogue's art committee, to create just the look that captures your synagogue's tenor and spirituality.

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