Obj. ID: 50392
Jewish Architecture Mt Sinai Jewish Center - Sanctuary Stained Glass Windows
To the main object: Mt Sinai Jewish Center - Sanctuary
sub-set tree:
The synagogue was erected in 1959, replacing the congregation’s previous 1921 building at West 178th Street and Wadsworth Avenue which was demolished by the Port Authority to expand highway access to the George Washington Bridge.
The sanctuary is especially noteworthy for its series of stained-glass windows made by prominent stained-glass artist Jean-Jacque Duval, which were also completed in 1959, The series consists of tall narrow strips on each side of the sanctuary, and of paired windows on each side of the Ark. Each strip consists of seven panels. There are shorter strips on each side near the entrance wall to accommodate emergency exits. There are 162 stained glass panels in all. There is a great variety of designs – but some designs repeat and provide variation by being turned upside down and using different shades of glass. The overall theme is abstract with patterns of cell-like forms, and dominant blues and reds, but with subtler pinks, oranges, purples, and other shades mixed in.
Some panels include compositions combining symbols and representations of ritual objects associated with holidays. Others have a few Hebrew words of identifying text incorporated into the design. The entire festive calendar is depicted. The window to the left as one enters includes a remembrance of Holocaust victims.