The Lanski Windows
The Lanski Windows
Rendered in English in the left panel and in Hebrew in the right panel, the theme of the windows in the sanctuary is God, the Torah, and Israel are One. A free-flowing collage of Judaism's sacred symbols and the ritual objects used during the year-round observance of Sabbath and the festivals, the windows were designed by Rabbi Ralph Simon z"l and stained-glass artist Adolfas Valeška. Of Lithuanian origin, Mr. Valeška combined the Jewish folk traditions of that country with free, mid-20th-century expression and imaginatively executed the theme in rich color and design.
The materials used are most unusual. Instead of conventional stained glass and lead, the window is constructed of heavy slab-glass and concrete. The surfaces are hand-chipped and chiseled, giving a vibrant quality and multiple color nuances to the design.
The Lanski Chapel, dedicated to the memory of Bashe (Friedman) and Israel Lanski, anchored the northeast corner of our previous building. The Ark occupied a marble recess along the Chapel's eastern wall, flanked by these magnificent windows dedicated to the memory of their son Abe H. Lanski. In 1966, the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognized the windows with an Honor Award in Fine Arts. The windows were reinstalled side by side in the sanctuary of our new building in 2000.
Fri, February 3 2023
12 Shevat 5783
Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 4 , 2023
Saturday, Feb 4th 9:15a to 11:45a
Join us in person or over Zoom for our Masorti minyan. -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 5 , 2023
Sunday, Feb 5th 10:30a to 11:30a
On Tu b'Shvat, the new year begins for trees, an apt time for us to consider what can we do to help heal our ailing Earth. How can Jewish thought and practice inform how we relate to the more-than-human world? Join us on Sunday, February 5 at 10:30am for text study and Tu b'Shvat treats, as we consider these vital questions. All are welcome! -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 11 , 2023
Saturday, Feb 11th 9:15a to 11:45a
Join us in person or over Zoom for our Masorti minyan. -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 11 , 2023
Saturday, Feb 11th 10:15a to 2:00p
Members of Sisterhood will read from the Torah and participate in the service. (Masorti Minyan) -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 18 , 2023
Saturday, Feb 18th 9:15a to 11:30a
This is our egalitarian, participatory service with a full Torah and Haftarah reading, and will meet without technology.