Temple Israel in Boston is one of the largest reform congregations in the United States. The main sanctuary was built to overlook a large old maple tree that provided the background of the floor to ceiling glass wall behind the Ark. Disease destroyed this tree in 2004. Temple Israel commissioned a new ark to commemorate this special tree. The Ark includes salvaged wood from the old tree. The interior of the ark is copper and the Hebrew words "aitz haiyim" (tree of life) are inscribed on the curtain.

A new congregation in Londonderry, New Hampshire commissioned a moveable Ark to be used in a Church they were sharing with a Christian congregation. Their intention was to permanently install this Ark when they moved into a new synagogue.

Temple Israel in Greenfield, Massachusetts commissioned a permanent Ark for their new building. The Ark is set into the eastern wall of a two storey alcove with skylights. The bass wood material was harvested in Southern Vermont and is finished with a white transparent pigment. The interior of the Ark is lined with copper. All dimensions of the Ark components are based on the number ten, reflecting on the ten Hebrew words of creation.

Artists/Designer: Michael Singer
Research and Interpretive Design: Al Chapman, Ethan Fiero
Interior Curtains: Sharon Myers

Previous Project

Next Project