Mosaics

Notice how the tail of the whale is also the body of Jonah.

To portray the concealed, mystical aspects of this parable, there is a large hidden face woven into the design of Jonah, as he sits beneath the leaves of the large gourd-tree on the left side of the composition. If you look closely, you will see how the pants of the small Jonah form actually compose the nose of the large face, while the rock Jonah is sitting on also becomes his beard.

I would like to speak for a moment as to the talent and dedication of an artist - Bruce David. Our synagogue, Congregation Beth Am in Buffalo Grove, IL, is privileged to have two original mosaics that have been created by Bruce. These pieces are nothing short of magnificent. Each was created as a result of the sponsorship of members of our congregation, and neither of the sponsoring families could be happier with the results.

Bruce David has a very unique way of going about creating a work of art such as this. In fact, it would be just as appropriate to call them works of heart. Bruce is personally involved in each and every step of the development, from the conceptual sketches that he presents to the sponsors to ensure that he is capturing the spirit of what they are after, to the selection of each of the thousands of pieces of glass that comprise his ultimate creation. The entire fabrication process is conducted under Bruce's watchful eye, and the result of all of this is an explosion of creativity and color unlike anything one could have imagined in their wildest dreams. I would encourage anybody considering Bruce David to visit us and view his creations for themselves.

In this case, seeing IS believing.

Respectfully submitted,

Stan Terry
Congregation Beth Am
Buffalo Grove (Chicago), Il 60089

The two large hands portray this blessing as one which is being passed through the generations of time. The rendering of the Matriarchs woven into the center of the "Tree of Life" design exemplifies the indispensable nature of their existence to the survival of our people. On either side of the tree are many of the distinguished women whose leadership and courage helped shape our future. In blessing our own daughters, we pray that they, too, should possess the special traits of these notable and remarkable women who preceded them. By learning from those who came before them, we hope that they, too, can find meaning and wholeness in their lives and be worthy of their special heritage.