Synagogue Furnishings | Amy Reichert Judaica

Chuppah: Central Synagogue

Admin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:34:44 +0000

Commissioned by Central Synagogue
Aluminum, Wood, Polyester,

Outdoor Camp Ark: Camp Harlam

Admin — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:46:48 +0000

Recently installed, this joyful ark echoes the colors of the camp’s various age divisions. Its rainbow palette reflects colored light onto the gravel setting of the tent-like outdoor shelter, a much-beloved symbol of the camp. A soft glow of color can be seen from through the translucent back of the ark box.

Commissioned by Camp Harlam, Kunkletown, PA
Colored acrylic, mahogany, and aluminum

Ner Tamid:Minyan Ma’at

Admin — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 16:24:22 +0000

This eternal lamp is inspired by the idea of light representing the divine presence–perceptible, yet unknowable in form and origin. Here, the light source is hidden within the branches; one sees only reflections on the hammered brass column. The lamp speaks to our condition of experiencing divine light only through its reflection in our own world.

The olive branches forming the outside screen of the lamp recall the Biblical source of oil for the lamp. When hanging in front of the ark, the branches also remind us of the image of the Torah as a “tree of life.”

Polished and oil rubbed brass, 12” h x 12”w x 6” d
Commissioned by Minyan Ma’at Congregation, NY

Bimah Furniture: Sutton Place Synagogue

Admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 23:12:38 +0000

Chapel Wall + Furniture: Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Admin — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:42:44 +0000

This ark wall for a newly-created youth chapel / classroom space incorporates sliding panels that hold an ark and diffuse the natural light from existing tall windows. The pattern on the multi-layered panels is the first line of the “Sh’ma”, arrayed in a playful pattern that engages young learners of Hebrew. The panels slide to allow subdivision of the chapel space into 2 classrooms.
The ner tamid sparkles with a hidden source of light.

Congregation Rodeph Sholom, New York City
Multi-media, 24’ l x 12’h

Outdoor Ark: Congregation B’nai Jeshurun

Admin — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 21:51:35 +0000

This outdoor chapel, much used during the current pandemic, required a set of furniture that was resonant, durable, and a focal point for the amphitheater setting. Inspiration for the forms and colors comes from a tale of the Baal Shem Tov which recounts his fervent prayers for his community during a plague–he finds a place in the forest, lights a fire, prays, and the plague is stayed. The setting of this chapel in the woods behind the synagogue, during a time of crisis, echoes this classic story. The ner tamid is a “fire” within the ark. Social distancing is possible with the two lecterns, that join together to become a torah reading table.

Commissioned by Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills, NJ
Resin panels, mahogany, and aluminum

Outdoor Torah Ark: OSRUI

Admin — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 16:28:45 +0000

Commissioned for a new outdoor chapel at an overnight camp, this ark celebrates its relation to the natural elements. Shimmering metal leaves on the ark doors catch the light at different times of day, acknowledging the passage of time. They are loosely attached to the ark doors with pins, moving gently with the breeze, like leaves on a tree. The translucent back panel of the ark allows shadows of surrounding trees to read through, as well as capturing the rising sun during morning services. The channel defining the center of the ark’s winged roof is sloped toward the overhang at the back of the ark, forming a dramatic spout creating a waterfall when it rains. The form of the roof echoes the protective wings of the cherubim described in biblical passages as outspread, hovering above the ark proper.

Cedar planks, steel frame, aluminum, copper,+ brass leaves 6′ w x 3′ d x 7′ h
Commissioned by OSRUI, Oconomowoc, WI

Ner Tamid: Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Admin — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 16:50:36 +0000

This Eternal Light in a multi-purpose educational space is meant to evoke the wonder and mystery of God’s presence. The overlays of bronze, copper and gold mesh provide changing views of the sparkling lights inside, which twinkle with the movement of the opening and closing of ark doors below.

Metal mesh, LED lights, 19″ h x 8″w x 6″ d
Commissioned for Congregation Rodeph Sholom, New York City, NY

Bimah Design: Park Avenue Synagogue

Admin — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 22:40:47 +0000

This new double-height chapel was created as part of a gut-renovation of the Park Avenue Synagogue. The focus of the space, the backdrop wall of a new movable bimah, depicts the travels of the Israelites across the desert until the moment of revelation at Mt. Sinai, depicted here by the ark doors. The tablets are broken when the ark is open, revealing a luminous home for the torahs.

The ner tamid, in the form of a fiery cloud, hovers over the ark. The adjustable reading table, lectern, and torah stands complete the composition.

Park Avenue Synagogue, New York
Venetian plaster, gold leaf, oak and bronze

Chapel Furniture: NSSBE

Admin — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:32:38 +0000

This translucent ark and reading table take advantage of the natural light and views of Lake Michigan seen through the eastern windows of this synagogue chapel.

The motif of the gold almond blossoms recall the budding rod of Aaron the High Priest, which was to be placed in the ark as it traveled through the desert. The reading table is adjustable so that congregants in wheelchairs can read Torah as easily as standing readers. The eternal light is made of golden olive leaves.

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL
Walnut, brass, and fabric-embedded resin panels