Paroches-Ark Curtain

Last summer relatives of mine asked if I would be willing to a design a paroches for their shul in Lakewood, New Jersey.  The paroches would be dedicated in the memory of their mother Sima who had recently passed away.  Cousin Sima lived in Mexico and I grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  I didn't have many memories of her but I could vividly picture an embroidered tablecloth that was a gift from Sima to my grandmother and was used on Sabbaths and holidays.  The tablecloth was white with thick bright blue, yellow and red threads hand-sewn into the cloth in an intricate floral pattern.   I had never designed a paroches and was excited at the prospect and even more so I loved the idea that I would be creating a piece of embroidery in memory of Cousin Sima.

 

This is a picture of the design of the paroches.  My relatives who ordered the piece wanted the standard "Tree of Life"  in the center but with an explosion of color surrounding it.  It was a different experience creating an artwork, while taking into account how the piece would be translated as an embroidered work.  I loved the challenge and was excited with the results.  Below is a picture of the completed paroches.  I'm still waiting for a more professional picture of it, but until I get one, this will give you an idea of how it came out.