Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on July 10, 2017

"We want to bring our window home."

There is something missing in the Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills new home.

The synagogue, tucked away in a quiet field, was built in May 2016. But a 1950 stained glass window, which has been with the community for 60 years, remains in the synagogues former location on Blue Hill Avenue. Only 2.5 miles away, it will take an estimated $18,000 to move.

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, Lesley Acton, the president of the synagogue, gazed at an empty space on the wall, left open for the window. We want to bring our window home, said Acton.

The window was created in 1950 by artist David Holleman, of Arlington. An accompanying plaque explains that the window incorporates different symbols related to the history of the Holocaust. The six flames rising from the Tree of Life represent the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. Beneath the tree is the Hebrew word zachor or remember a caution to never forget or permit this to happen again.

An image of the Star of David represents the forced identification which Hitler required of all Jews.

Currently, the window is being maintained at the Concord Baptist Church at Blue Hill Avenue, the synagogues old location. While the intention was always to have the window rejoin the synagogue, Acton said todays political climate has made it an imperative. Last March, swastika graffiti was found in the boys bathroom at Pierce Middle School.

We want to pass on the message to the rest of the world that racism, xenophobia, anti-Semetism, Islamophobia any of these things are unacceptable, said Acton.

The window will serve as the centerpiece to the synagogues Holocaust education program. Artwork can make difficult lessons more accessible, Acton said.

Its a good teaching aid because whether its children from our Hebrew school or children outside, its something tangible we can show them... the Holocaust is not an easy thing to explain to young children, said Acton.

To raise the money, the synagogue has created a GoFundMe campaign where theyve already raised more than $3,000. They also held a fundraising gala in November and plan to use some of the money raised for the window relocation.

We hope it will be a constant reminder to never forget, said Acton.

Zane Razzaq may be reached at zrazzaq@ledger.com.

Read more here:

Local synagogue raises money to relocate historic stained glass ... - The Patriot Ledger

Category: Synagogue
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