A zodiac graced the ceiling of the old synagogue where, as a rabbinical student over 30 years ago, I began to work with congregations. What – astrology and Judaism practiced in one place? The tradition of placing signs of the Zodiac on synagogues is quite ancient – dating back to the early Rabbinic era! The arcane concurrence of Jewish custom with what our Rabbis themselves disapprovingly euphemized as
I remember years ago taking a walking tour if the old North Minneapolis Jewish neighborhood. We stopped at a former synagogue that had been home to a Black Protestant congregation for several decades. The pastor was proud to tell us they had kept it just as it had been given to them--including "that cupboard up in front; we don't know what that was for." Around the front of the balcony was a beautiful set of bas relief zodiac sculptures.
Following your thoughts and adventures in Israel now… I have not yet been there (in this lifetime) and your descriptions fascinate me. Thank you for posting!
Met Seth at Ginat’s virtual macrobiotic group (meets monthly out of Zikhron Yaakov). We had a great time with two selections from Torah plus commentators. It was a terrific start to hearing the Jewish perspective on life, art, philosophy, tradition and religion.
I remember years ago taking a walking tour if the old North Minneapolis Jewish neighborhood. We stopped at a former synagogue that had been home to a Black Protestant congregation for several decades. The pastor was proud to tell us they had kept it just as it had been given to them--including "that cupboard up in front; we don't know what that was for." Around the front of the balcony was a beautiful set of bas relief zodiac sculptures.
Thank you, Laura, for recounting that touching reminiscence. Does anybody else have a story that Laura's recollection and my blog post call to mind?
Shalom, Mia, and thank you for your response. I hope you get to Israel in this lifetime! Seth
Following your thoughts and adventures in Israel now… I have not yet been there (in this lifetime) and your descriptions fascinate me. Thank you for posting!
Met Seth at Ginat’s virtual macrobiotic group (meets monthly out of Zikhron Yaakov). We had a great time with two selections from Torah plus commentators. It was a terrific start to hearing the Jewish perspective on life, art, philosophy, tradition and religion.
Thank you. I enjoyed the session and learned from everyone's contributions to the discussion.