from the press:
Temple Ner Tamid was represented in the Israel Day Parade in New York City on Sunday, May 6, by more than 50 marching congregants and one stunningly painted lion. The life-size sculpture was one of 30 Lions of Jerusalem distributed by the UJC of MetroWest to participating synagogues, schools and other organizations throughout New Jersey. 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the unification of the city of Jerusalem during the Six Day War. The URJ commemorated this milestone with an art project designed to educate people of all ages about Jerusalem and allow communities to demonstrate their connection to Israel. Nava Shoham, a renowned ketubah artist who owns and operates 1800ketubah.com, conceived the design for the lion and oversaw its execution. Temple children painted the sculpture's base. The main theme of the bold design is Ko'ach, Ozma, strength, which is prominently calligraphed on the lion's mane. This word declares the strength, identity and values Ner Tamid draws from its ties with Israel and vice versa. Rainbow-colored "flames" in the mane evoke the Temple's logo: a ner tamid, or eternal light. The lion's face is outlined with a design that represents the walls of the Old City. The inner face is painted with images of Israel including the Tower of David, David's harp, the Israeli flag, dove of peace with olive branches, Montifyori windmill as well as the seven species listed in the bible (represents the land of milk and honey-Israel), combining the physical place with biblical and religious themes. Additional Hebrew words flow over the lion's back, quoting Israeli poems, sayings and songs, including the country's national anthem, "Hatikvah." The relationship between Israel and the diaspora manifests itself in song and poetry, the beauty of which is portrayed in the dancing letters of the calligraphy.
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