The Proler Chapel

The Freda and Jackie Proler Chapel was designed by Texas architect, Clovis Heimsath in 1975. It’s hexagon shape replicates the inside of a Magen David, a six-pointed star. The ceiling, when lighted, reproduces both shapes in a continuous pattern throughout the room.

chapel

The Pulpit

As you face the pulpit, to the right you see a seven branched menorah. In the center chapel-torah3of the pulpit is the Ark, made of two pieces that can be fitted together as a triangle or as a Star of David. chapel-torah2The etching in the doors represents the Ten Commandments.

The Torah in the Chapel is of Egyptian origin and was rescued from Czechoslovakia after World War II. Unlike the scrolls in the Sanctuary, this one, estimated to be 200 years old, and written on untreated calf skin, remains in its case. The Hebrew writing on the case is from its original dedication in 1909.chapel-detail

Above the Ark is the Eternal Light in a crown shape. To the left of the Ark is an unusual feature which ties together the themes of the pulpit and stained glass windows. The shape of the letters depicts a flame, reminiscent of the burning bush. The letters spell out Bayom Hahu (on that day), a phrase that rings out through the Biblical prophets, foretelling the fulfillment of the messianic hope when the world will be one and when all humanity will worship God.

chapel-doorThe Stained Glass Doors

The Chapel doors contain stained glass replicas of synagogues which have great historic meaning in Jewish life and in the life of this congregation.

The Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows, designed by Artist Bob Rambusch, explore the messianic theme.
chapwin1The window closest to the pulpit suggests the breast plate of the high priest who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. Different jewels represent the 12 Tribes of Israel. The vision was the day when klal Yisrael (all of the people Israel), would be reunited in the Holy Land and all people would come saying, Let us go up to the House of the Lord…that He may teach of His ways.

The second window depicts Sukkat Shlomecha (the Tabernacle of Thy Peace), a symbol of God’s care for all mankind.

The third window is based on the verse in Psalms I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. This verse is used in the Passover Seder as a prayer that the salvation from Egypt long ago be repeated for all mankind in days to come.

The fourth window depicts the Shofar (ram’s horn) spoken of in Isaiah which will herald redemption. The Bible says, beseech God to sound the great Shofar of our freedom…Isaiah 27:13.

Continue to the Robert I. Kahn Gallery