During the religious school year of 2004-2005, in the art program,  every grade level of the religious school was given the challenge of painting one of the Jewish Holidays on a piece of fabric, donated by Rick Preble, from The Chair King.  This upholstery fabric had it's own pattern and part of the kid's challenge was to take the existing pattern and use it to suggest which holiday that they would paint, emphasizing or painting over patterns to build images relevant to their holiday.  Some of the students recorded symbols of the holidays, some reached through those and brought us images of the torah portions that are common to their holiday.   The creative choices that stir the surfaces are still alive resonating next to each other, pulling together a universe of awareness of the richness of being Jewish.

Making something this monumental is truly a team effort.  Rick Preble donated the fabric, Sallie Namkin donated the paint. Rabbi Michaels was part of the development of the idea.  Mary Horwitch, master quilter, pulled the pieces together  with the help of Sheila Katz, Sharon Natenberg, and  Shelly Zacharias. Jason Moore, Samantha Horwitch, and Jason Fitch, my assistants, patiently prepared the fabric and paint for the kids. I want to thank the wonderful teachers of our religious school for working with me in this project as well as others. Taking this to the final form Jodi Buck, Sharon Natenberg, and the Education committee must be remembered for their support and encouragement.