[by Alan Zukof]
The Temple officially received a book detailing all of its original art at a dinner following Shabbat services on Friday, June 25. Editors Helene and Alan Zukof presented the first copy to Rabbi Emeritus Chester B. Diamond.
The Original Art of The Temple – 2009 arose from Rabbi Diamond’s desire to have a written record and description of all the unique art objects donated to or acquired by The Temple and the two congregations that consolidated to form it, Adath Israel and B’rith Sholom. From its inception, the project took more than two years to complete.
Rabbi Gary Zola, executive director of the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati, said that to his knowledge, no other Reform congregation in the country has undertaken such a project.
The book comprises detailed descriptions of all the art, including the building itself, and a series of addenda containing photographs and the recollections of many of the artists who created the works.
Copies of the book eventually will be presented to all the contributing artists, and will be available for sale through The Temple office. Pricing will be determined at a later date.