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, October 25 2024
23 Tishrei 5785
Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
NovNovember 2 , 2024
Saturday, Nov 2nd 9:15a to 11:30a
This is our egalitarian, participatory service with a full Torah and Haftarah reading, and will meet without technology. -
Saturday ,
NovNovember 2 , 2024
Saturday, Nov 2nd 10:00a to 11:30a
In the spirit of the words above the Ark in the Simon Sanctuary, "We will do, and then we will listen as we seek to understand," this service broadens our experience for learning and worshipping together. This uplifting, participatory musical service with instruments, facilitated by Cantor Rachel Rosenberg and others, engages us in an experience of worship and learning. Join us for a ruach-filled morning! -
Monday ,
NovNovember 11 , 2024
Monday, Nov 11th 11:30a to 12:30p
Contact ChernickJM_at_gmail.com for meeting info. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 7 , 2024
Saturday, Dec 7th 9:15a to 11:30a
This is our egalitarian, participatory service with a full Torah and Haftarah reading, and will meet without technology. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 7 , 2024
Saturday, Dec 7th 10:00a to 11:30a
In the spirit of the words above the Ark in the Simon Sanctuary, "We will do, and then we will listen as we seek to understand," this service broadens our experience for learning and worshipping together. This uplifting, participatory musical service with instruments, facilitated by Cantor Rachel Rosenberg and others, engages us in an experience of worship and learning. Join us for a ruach-filled morning!