The bronze menorah that graced our bimah for many years is now one of the first things you see as you enter. At once familiar and comforting, it draws your vision to the center of the space, reminding us of the continuity of community and home. The bronze menorah was created by Judith Morton and donated by Marcy and Bruce Balter in memory of Marcy’s mother, Sarah Sager. In its first home, the menorah decorated our bimah. 

When I was given the commission to create the menorah for the bimah, I was honored, ecstatic and terrified. This was my first major commission. The menorah would not only stand in front of a congregation, but my congregation, making the responsibility even greater. How was I ever going to create something that would offer a feeling of spirituality, inspiration, peacefulness, warmth and timelessness? For a while all of this plus images scrambled around in my brain causing more and more terror and confusion. At this point, I started walking. That is how I do the mental part of my creating. After wearing out the brook path, clarity stated to settle in and I decided that the menorah would be on the theme of the Tree of Life.

The menorah would have quiet dignity and elegance with strength to stand on its own.

The feel of the menorah would make a marriage with the eternal light, so that they would comfortably co-exist. Once these decisions were made, the terror dissipated and I started the physical part of the creative process. I made small metal model after small metal model until I had created one that “sang.” 

Looking at the menorah today, some 17 years later, it still gives me such great pleasure. Even more satisfying is overhearing someone expressing delight in it not knowing that I’m the sculptor. 

Creating a successful piece of sculptural Judaica still presents the greatest challenge, but is the ultimate reward.