Glasspainter
Sabbath - Text
Sabbath Window
About this window
This was the first window of the series to be designed. All the other windows except for
the Dome follow on stylistically from this window.
The theme given for this window was the Sabbath, however it seemed appropriate that it should be a Creation window.
In the Kiddush for Sabbath it is referred to as a "Memorial of the Creation".
In the synagogue during the Friday evening, the service for "the inauguration of the Sabbath", six nature psalms, (PS. 95 - 99) and the special Psalm (PS. 92) of the Sabbath, are recited corresponding to the six days of creation.
The theme given for this window was the Sabbath, however it seemed appropriate that it should be a Creation window.
In the Kiddush for Sabbath it is referred to as a "Memorial of the Creation".
In the synagogue during the Friday evening, the service for "the inauguration of the Sabbath", six nature psalms, (PS. 95 - 99) and the special Psalm (PS. 92) of the Sabbath, are recited corresponding to the six days of creation.
Left Hand Side
Top - Day One - Creation of LightBase - Day Two - Separation of the Waters
Middle Section
Outside the Circle
Day five - Creation of the birds and fishes.
Also included are symbols of the Exodus
Also included are symbols of the Exodus
Inside the Circle but outside the Star
The Creation of the animals and finally humanity.
These symbols were chosen to relate to the surrounding design and also to have religious symbolism.
The hands releasing the Dove is a symbol for Noah, in the border is a rainbow. This is
symbolic of Gods' earliest covenant with humanity.
In modern life it is the symbol for peace.
Hands shielding the candles. A feature of every Sabbath and most festivals it relates to the first of Gods creations, light.
Hands raised in priestly blessing.
Fruit being picked but also a serpent as a reminder of the Garden of Eden.
The ritual washing of hands which is performed many times on the holy days.
Fish being caught indicating the dominion of humanity over the animals.
These symbols were chosen to relate to the surrounding design and also to have religious symbolism.
The hands releasing the Dove is a symbol for Noah, in the border is a rainbow. This is
symbolic of Gods' earliest covenant with humanity.In modern life it is the symbol for peace.
Hands shielding the candles. A feature of every Sabbath and most festivals it relates to the first of Gods creations, light.
Hands raised in priestly blessing.
Fruit being picked but also a serpent as a reminder of the Garden of Eden.
The ritual washing of hands which is performed many times on the holy days.
Fish being caught indicating the dominion of humanity over the animals.
The Points of the Star
These are symbols directly relating to the ceremonies of the Sabbath.
Two loaves symbolize the double portion of manna which fell the day before the Sabbath. The cloth represents the dew which covered the manna.
Wine being poured into a goblet over which the Kiddush is spoken.
Apples and honey are symbolic of the hope for sweetness.
A hand being held up to a braided candle.
Wine being poured into a cup and a spice box all are part of the farewell ceremony for the Sabbath. The Havdallah.
The wine flowing over from the cup is for the hope of a full and prosperous week ahead.
The spices are burned as a symbol of the Sabbath Soul now departing.
Two loaves symbolize the double portion of manna which fell the day before the Sabbath. The cloth represents the dew which covered the manna.
Wine being poured into a goblet over which the Kiddush is spoken.Apples and honey are symbolic of the hope for sweetness.
A hand being held up to a braided candle.
Wine being poured into a cup and a spice box all are part of the farewell ceremony for the Sabbath. The Havdallah.
The wine flowing over from the cup is for the hope of a full and prosperous week ahead.
The spices are burned as a symbol of the Sabbath Soul now departing.
The Centre Panel
The Torah and the Menorah and the Star of David. The three major symbols of Judaism.The Torah is read completely over the course of the year. It is divided into 54 portions, one part being read on each Sabbath.
The Menorah is both symbolic of the Temple and again represents light the first of Gods' Creations.
Right Hand Side
Base - Day three - Creation of vegetationTop - Day Four - Creation of the sun, moon and stars.
The moon is seen in the centre panel. It is a New Moon to show the early link between the New Moon and The Sabbath.