Current - Small Cast Bronzes

Inspiration for the small cast bronzes

We found similar symbols and motifs in Jewish art at various locations and in various time periods.

These pieces are being cast at the foundry and include a mezuzah for the home and pendants to wear. 

Several of the motifs are described below along with the visual sources.

Conch

Flames of Menorah

Hand of God

You can take a look at ‘Current – Art Education Grant’ to see additional research.

Conch

There is a conch located at the top of the Torah shrine or ark at the following:

•           Dura Europos Synagogue

            destroyed in 256 CE

            located in present day Syria

•           Synagogue at Chorazin decorated stone

            built late 3^rd or early 4^th century CE

            Israel

•           Synagogue at Tzippori floor mosaic

            built late 5^th or early 6^th century CE

            Israel

•           Synagogue at Beth Shean floor mosaic

            built 6^th century CE

            Israel

Flames of the Menorah

The flames of the lit menorah lean towards the Shamash in the following:

•           Synagogue at Tzippori mosaic

•           Gwozdziec Synagogue painting

•           Illuminated manuscript

            miniature of the sanctuary implements

            Spain, N.E. Catalonia, 1384

            scribe: Jacob ben Joseph of Ripoll

•           Illuminated manuscript

            miniature of the menorah

            Spain, N.E. Catalonia

            2nd or 3rd quarter of the 14th century

The sources for the images:

‘…he shall kindle its lamp so as to give light toward its face.’  Shemot / Exodus 25:37

‘When he kindles the lamps, he shall place respective wicks on the six arms of the Menorah pointing toward the central stem, so that all the flames will be directed toward the center.’ (Rashi)    - from The Stone Edition Chumash, p. 452  

‘Sforno comments that the three flames on the right symbolize intellectual ideas and those on the left symbolize thought applied to one’s livelihood.  All should be guided and directed by the centrality of the Torah’s light, as symbolized by the flame of the central shaft.’ – from The Stone Edition Chumash, p. 452

The Hand of God

The Hand of God appears in paintings in the synagogue at Dura Europos as well as in the mosaics of the synagogue at Beit Alpha.

Scroll down to see Hand of God images.