The Endurance
of Faith
The windows of Beth Ezekiel synagogue are a tribute to
past generations and a message of hope for those to follow. They speak of
life, courage, love, devotion, joy, religion, and tradition. Each one tells
a different story, yet all express a common belief in the endurance of
faith. It is because faith endures that our little community continues to
thrive, and though our numbers are small, the special bond we share keeps us
strong.
Our windows are evidence of this strength, and this
account is a record of it. In it are the stories behind the windows, told by
sponsoring families mostly in their own words. Each story reveals something
about the character of the people to whom the windows are dedicated that
goes far beyond the simple inscriptions on their Yahrzeit plaques found at
the back of the synagogue. The windows also offer us a glimpse into the
hearts and minds of the families who, through their generosity and community
spirit, gave these windows to our synagogue as a lasting gift.
Their stories are told with compassion and grace, full of
hope and rich in symbolism. Relating them in the medium of light and colour
has been brilliantly accomplished by Leigh Greaves who, from the outset,
clearly regarded this project as much more than simply a commission. Her
artistry brings our stories to life with rich, vivid colours and fine
detail. Overlapping images of leaves, flowers, and other elements give these
windows depth and dimension, while the subtle interplay of colour and
shading achieves a quality of lightness. It is easy to forget when viewing
the windows that the effect is accomplished with thousands of meticulously
crafted and carefully selected pieces of glass. The end result is simply
stunning.
Our windows are truly things of beauty, inspired by love
and carved from light, they are treasures that will endure, just as our
faith endures, from one generation to the next. |
