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The main sanctuary features stained glass windows. The largest one of fifteen panes has a candelabra twelve feet high, a menorah. This was dedicated in December 1972, upon completion of the building. On the southern wall are twenty windows depicting highlights in Biblical history and a bank of twelve windows showing the twelve tribes of Jacob adjacent to the altar. The opposite wall in the sanctuary has twenty windows depicting the major Jewish holidays. These windows were dedicated in 1977. As the sun illuminates the various colors of the stained glass, it is breathtaking in its beauty. Creating a sanctuary filled with stained glass windows was a project conceptualized by the late George Kaufman and John Veta, and used as a tool to finish some of the building costs. All of these windows, with one exception, were purchased by members of the congregation in honor or memory of family. The one exception, a picture of modern Jerusalem, was dedicated to a Jewish doctor of Scotch descent, K.L. McShane, a long-time friend of the Jewish community. All of the windows were created and installed by the family members of the Watkins Stained Glass Studios of Denver. In an effort to establish financial stability for future expenses of Mt. Sinai, a fundraising project was created in 2007 for the sale of stained glass windows in other areas of the synagogue. Another generation of Watkins Stained Glass of Denver is working on this project. On the east wall of the social hall, there is a grouping of eleven windows which will honor and remember the women of the Bible. Each window will celebrate either a matriarch or another important female role model. The women include Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Eve, Miriam, Ruth, Hannah, Deborah, Abigail and Esther. Eve was dedicated in 2008. In June, 2010, five windows were installed and dedicated, Esther, Rebecca, Sarah, Rachel and Hannah.
In the small sanctuary there is a grouping of twelve windows titled Moses at Mt. Sinai. This was installed in 2007 as a bequest from long-time member Paul Smith and was dedicated to his memory. As the natural sunlight filters through this outstanding bank of windows and dances in the room, we remember this remarkable man. Also in the small sanctuary, on the northeast wall adjacent to the altar, there is a grouping of eight windows that will be created as the Tree of Life. One of these windows is dedicated to honor Uri Neil, the cantor and religious leader at Mt. Sinai for over eighteen years. Donations are being collected with plans to have this window installed in 2010. You have the opportunity to create a lasting legacy by purchasing one or more of these beautiful windows. The price per window is $10,000.00. This includes the cost of tempered glass, installation, and a plaque that identifies the donor and honorees. A deposit of $5,000.00 is required to contract with the artist. For more information, contact Rosalyn Baker. Cell 307-630-5466. Home 307-635-7474 or e-mail rwb081683@aol.com. |