Gates of Jerusalem
Next Year in Jerusalem, David Moss
Our feet would stand in your gates, O Jerusalem
From the early days of Jerusalem, our feet have been entering and exiting her gates, and there is perhaps no other symbol that has represented Jerusalem so vividly as her gates.
The gates in the walls of the old city, the gates of the Holy Temple, the gates of justice, the earthly gates and the gates of heaven are all a part of the magic of Jerusalem.
The symbol of the gate, the arch, the portal, is one of the most persistent metaphors in Jewish art. The portal stands as the ubiquitous symbol of transformation. It is the icon of metamorphosis and revelation. The inviting door holds forth the promise of fateful experience, the moment of rebirth and regeneration. The portal has been used as a symbol for the sacred and the profane. It is an image that makes life livable, because it is the perpetual symbol of hope.
Kol HaOt invites you on your upcoming trip to Jerusalem, to explore with us the many facets of the Gates of Jerusalem. Spanning history and the arts, we invite you to explore this symbol of transformation and hope, as you transition between wondrous worlds. This visit, taking place in and around one of Jerusalem’s unique venues, could include:
From the early days of Jerusalem, our feet have been entering and exiting her gates, and there is perhaps no other symbol that has represented Jerusalem so vividly as her gates.
The gates in the walls of the old city, the gates of the Holy Temple, the gates of justice, the earthly gates and the gates of heaven are all a part of the magic of Jerusalem.
The symbol of the gate, the arch, the portal, is one of the most persistent metaphors in Jewish art. The portal stands as the ubiquitous symbol of transformation. It is the icon of metamorphosis and revelation. The inviting door holds forth the promise of fateful experience, the moment of rebirth and regeneration. The portal has been used as a symbol for the sacred and the profane. It is an image that makes life livable, because it is the perpetual symbol of hope.
Kol HaOt invites you on your upcoming trip to Jerusalem, to explore with us the many facets of the Gates of Jerusalem. Spanning history and the arts, we invite you to explore this symbol of transformation and hope, as you transition between wondrous worlds. This visit, taking place in and around one of Jerusalem’s unique venues, could include:
- The Six Days and the Seven Gates- A Theatrical representation of the modern midrash/legend written by Yitzhak Navon personifying the seven gates of Jerusalem during the six-day war. The limited edition of the book published by Yehuda Miklaf, with etchings by Aryeh Ozen will be on exhibit and explained. A discussion with the bookbinder and/or artist could be included.
- Sha’arei Nikanor ve’Sha’arei Hulda- A text-based study and discussion of Gates from the Temple and the values they represent.
- Ze HaSha’ar- A hands-on workshop in the art of paper cuts, exploring the arch motif in Jewish art.
- Pitchu Li Sha’arei Tzedek- an insight into the gates of social justice that take place in modern day Jerusalem.
- A succulent meal serving Jerusalem delicacies.
- Shabehi Yerushalayim- A musical journey of yearning for Jerusalem and her gates, spanning the ages and the globe.
- The Huppah Gate- An exploration of the gates in illuminated Ketubot- medieval and modern, including the Transition volume of Ketubot by David Moss.
- Even Ma’asu HaBonim- An architectural tour of portals and gates in the city, with an emphasis on the art of stone finishing unique to Jerusalem.
- Shaarei Teshuvah and Neilah- The image of the gates is one familiar to us from the High Holiday liturgy; in this session we will explore the multiple meanings of teshuvah, returning and how this notion can transform self and community.
- Derekh Ha-sha'ar- Liminal moments and journeys are both times of fear and promise; the mezuzah, which guards our "goings and comings" is a symbol of this notion. We will explore together the history of the mezuzah and discuss personal and communal journeys which will culminate in the creation of a personal mezuzah.
- Sha'ar HaDavar- "Gate of the Word" -- gate imagery has been employed throughout the ages in the creation of the printed Hebrew book; we will explore the significance of this imagery through the ages. This component may include a session on the book arts as well as a tour of and learning session on a very special collection of books held privately in Jerusalem.
