5- Stained Glass Windows
Installed in 2004; Backlit in 2019
Designed and built by Israeli Artist Perli Pelzig, z”l.
Gift of Merrill and Sheila Wynne
These vibrant stained glass windows have flanked the entry doors to our sanctuary since they were first installed in 2004. Etched into the colorful glass design is the Hebrew verse from I Kings (19:11-12) wherein God reveals Himself to the prophet Elijah, first bringing forth a mighty wind, followed by an earthquake and then a fire. But the text notes that it was not in any of these natural phenomena, but in the still small voice which followed that Elijah ultimately encountered God. The passage beautifully reminds us that in our search for the Divine, we must strive to block out the noise and drama of daily life and instead seek out moments and places informed by peace and serenity.
Reflection from Merrill Wynne:
Sheila and I commissioned Perli Pelzig to design and create the beautiful stained glass windows in loving memory and in honor of our parents as a gift to Temple Sinai. As our dear Rabbi Ron so elegantly described the Hebrew verse from I Kings when God reveals himself to the prophet Elijah, he experiences a mighty wind, followed by earthquake and then a fire. However, it is not in any of these but in the still, small voice that follows that Elijah experiences God. As depicted in the windows, the animals are intended to reflect the stillness and the quiet moments of Elijah seeking the Divine. As you view these vibrant, brilliant and colorful stained glass windows, we hope they might inspire you in your search for the Divine to find peace, joy, and serenity in your life‘s journey.
