Temple Sinai Stained Glass Windows

Temple Sinai is noted for their eleven stained glass windows. A set of ten matched windows, each five feet wide by twenty feet tall, are placed around the three exterior walls, and a single round one high up in the back wall, between two of the larger windows. When you enter the sanctuary, you will see windows that are over 100 years old. Each window depicts a scene from the Hebrew bible, the Tanakh. Handmade in 1912, when Temple Sinai was constructed, their round shape reflects the Moorish revival style of the building. The stained glass is known as drapery glass because it mimics the creases, folds, and drape of fabric. It is folded over and over while it is in fluid form to give it depth. Cobalt was added to enhance the deep blue colors, and gold was added to make the reds and gold richer.

Although no documentation has been found on the origination of the windows, the answer to who designed these windows can be found in the round window above the entrance door, “Solomon at the Dedication of the Temple.” Samuel D. Gruber, Ph.D., a known historian, stated, “Usually the signature of the studio was put - in synagogues - on the lower right on the window to the right of the entrance door. Since there is not a signature there, it may be they put one signature on the window in the center, the roundel.” Notice the signature, “Empire Glass Company of Atlanta Georgia,” on the lower right hand corner of the window at the bottom of the yellow block. The windows were installed in the fall of 1912 and highlighted in the Temple’s dedication service on March 28, 1913.

Come and explore the many stories told in the amazing windows and be inspired by the beauty of the sanctuary!

The Windows

God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This window shows Abraham with his son during their walk to the altar. The ram caught in the bush is sacrificed instead of Isaac.

The circular window above shows the dove from the story of Noah and the great flood carrying an olive branch.

“God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” Genesis 22:8

Jacob tricks his blind father Isaac into giving him a blessing that is intended for his oldest brother Esau. His mother Rebecca, a party to the deceit, is in the background.

The circular window above shows Noah’s ark before the great flood.

“Let peoples serve thee, nations bow down to thee.” Genesis 27:29

Fleeing Esau’s wrath, Jacob falls asleep in a field and dreams about a ladder that connects heaven and earth. God calls to Jacob and tells him he will found a mighty people. Jacob’s second name, Israel, means to be right with God.

The circular window above shows the all-seeing eye of God, which is also used on the back of the one-dollar bill.

“I am with thee and will keep thee in all places thou goest.” Genesis 28:15

Called the “shepherd king” and the “sweet singer,” David, the father of King Solomon, was the author of Psalms and the slayer of Goliath.

The circular window above shows the six-pointed Star of David.

“David returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.” 1 Samuel 17:15

One of the great prophets, Elijah is commanded by God to go into hiding. During this time, he is fed by ravens at the brook of Cherith.

The circular window above shows a Kiddush cup, which is used in the blessing of wine during Shabbat service.

“I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.” 1 Kings 17:4

Solomon blessing the Israelites.

“He stood and blessed all the congregation of Israel.” 1 Kings 8:55

Samuel, a judge and prophet in Israel, is shown as a child with his tutor, the high priest Eli. Samuel’s mother Hannah was thought to be barren, but promised, if given a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord.

The circular window above depicts a white urn, which holds holy oil.

“The child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli.” 1 Samuel 3:1

Moses tells the Israelites about God’s law.

The circular window above shows a breastplate worn by a high priest.

“This side of Jordan in the land of Moab began Moses to declare this law.” Deuteromony 1:5

God tells Moses that although he must lead his people to the Promised Land, he will not be allowed to enter. Moses is pictured on Mt. Nebo overlooking the Promised Land.

The circular window above shows a menorah.

“When thou has seen it, thou shall be gathered to thy people.” Numbers 27:13

Moses brings the Ten Commandments down from the mountain top after receiving them from God.

The circular window above shows a scroll with the Hebrew word for God.

“He gave them in commandments all that the Lord had spoken.” Exodus 34:32

When Moses is in the fields watching over a flock of sheep, God calls to him from a burning bush. God commands Moses to lead the Jews out of enslavement in Egypt and to the Promised Land.

The circular window above shows an eternal lamp, the Ner Tamid.

“I am the God of thy Father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Exodus 3:6

(Pictures courtesy of Weinberg Studios )