Of
the seven species,
the almond is the first tree to blossom in the spring.
In fact, the moment of the flowering of the almond
trees is used by the Rabbis to mark the celebration
of Tu'Bishvat. Hence, it is a symbol of regeneration
and new beginnings. Uniquely, it bears a five-petaled
white flower, before it shows any leaves. Most often,
it symbolizes the Lampstand of the original tabernacle,
which God commanded to be constructed "like almond
blossoms" (Exodus 25.34). In modern Israel, the
almond is a symbol of beauty and hope
Ten doves, are going up and down, like angels, connecting
the heavens and the earth, swooping around in a
giant circle, further framing and forming the mystical
gateway. The doves are partially hidden because
parts of them are outside the frame of the window
or behind the mullions. They also have very little
color, only the color of the glass behind them,
or they appear like a transparent shadow, above
the darker blue background.
The mostly transparent background glass, in this
composition allows the congregation to look out
at an historic Oak tree which stands beside the
sanctuary. The ever-changing dynamic and color of
the tree combine with the crystalline and reamy
clear glass to transform the sanctuary into a liquid
sea of color and movement, changing at every hour
of the day. .