Synagogue with Chagall windows

Sunlight. Sunlight streams through the Chagall windows of the Abbell Synagogue. It paints the room with a kaleidoscope of colors. We’re standing before a masterpiece, a hidden gem nestled within Hadassah’s medical center. The Synagogue with Chagall windows isn’t just a place of worship. It is a testament to the enduring power of art, faith, and the human spirit. In 1958, Hadassah representatives approached Marc Chagall in Paris. They envisioned a few stained-glass windows for their new synagogue. Chagall, however, had a grander vision. He reportedly exclaimed, “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting my whole life to serve the Jewish people!” The Synagogue with Chagall windows began to take shape, not as an addition to the synagogue, but as its very foundation. Chagall demanded complete control. The building was designed around his twelve magnificent windows, each an 11-by-8-foot arched artwork. Each window tells a story. They depict the 12 sons of Jacob, the progenitors of the 12 Tribes of Israel, drawing inspiration from Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33. Look closely at the Synagogue with Chagall windows. You’ll see vibrant reds, blues, yellows, and greens dancing across the glass. They represent not only biblical text and Jewish history, but also Chagall’s own world, his childhood in Vitebsk, and his profound connection to Jewish culture. Chagall poured his heart and soul into these windows. He collaborated with stained-glass artists Charles Marq and Brigitte Simon-Marq. He meticulously crafted maquettes and color sketches, experimenting with hues and thicknesses to perfect the interplay of light and color. He even etched and scratched the glass himself, ensuring every detail reflected his unique vision. The Synagogue with Chagall windows became more than just a project. They became a “transparent wall,” as Chagall described it, between his heart and the heart of the world. When the windows were damaged during the Six-Day War, Chagall’s immediate concern was their restoration. He reassured Hadassah, “You worry about the hospital, I’ll worry about the windows.” This dedication speaks volumes about his commitment to his art and to the Jewish people. The Abbell Synagogue, with its minimalist design, provides a perfect backdrop for Chagall’s vibrant creations. The space evokes a sense of reverence and awe. The Synagogue with Chagall windows invites contemplation and reflection. It reminds us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and touch the human soul. Each time you look at these windows, you discover something new. They are a testament to Chagall’s genius, a symbol of hope, and a celebration of Jewish heritage. They are a gift, not just to Hadassah, but to the world.