Synagogue Stained Glass
Congregation Beth Israel
Honesdale, PA
Installed 2024
In the fall of 1849, less than 20 years after the community of Honesdale in the Poconos was founded, a small group of Jews gathered to form the first Jewish congregation in the area – Congregation Beth Israel. Like most synagogues of the day, they held their first meetings with a borrowed Torah in one of the member’s homes. By the next year, the congregation had purchased a Torah, a Shofar and a Megillah. A constitution was written and the congregation began to grow.
The building that houses Congregation Beth Israel was built in 1856 and has been in continuous use since that time. It is said to be the oldest congregation in North America continually operating in its original synagogue building.
Over the years wear and tear on the building has taken a toll. In 1942 a flood destroyed the building's original stained glass windows in the sanctuary. Our job was to bring windows back to either side of the aron hakodesh/the ark to embellish the space.
This project is the first piece in the celebrating the community's 175th year.
"I am beyond delighted with the beauty of your work.
I think the word is verklempt.
From just the suggestion to (my daughter) Elizabeth that I would love stained glass back at Beth Israel to the realization of this project, it is simply exhilarating.
I can not thank you enough.
I am also very happy to have two new friends."
Liza Roos Lucy, Synagogue President
Temple Beth El
Augusta, ME
Installed 2020
A small, vibrant synagogue in Maine’s capital city, Augusta. The only Reform Jewish congregation in Central Maine that serves as the center of Jewish activity for roughly 115 families living within a 50+ mile radius of Augusta.
How could such a small place take on the challenge of incorporating stained glass into their building renovation?
And how could the project be completed in the throes of a global pandemic?
With perseverance and patience.
The community rallied and together we made it happen.
"Totally amazing – really beautiful. Thank you so much for your willingness to immerse yourself into our wonderful community and work so hard to bring it to life in art. It is everything that we hoped for and our community will cherish it for generations. A delight working with both of you."
Jerry Bley, Committee Chair
Temple Emanu-El
Closter, NJ
Installed 2014
In the beginning, there was a beautiful octagonally shaped daily chapel in a synagogue in suburban New Jersey.
As lovely as it was, the light that streamed in was, at times, blinding.
After some significant brainstorming, it was decided that the Creation story should be worked on as a theme. The six days of creation and Shabbat would cover seven of the eight window groupings, leaving just one wall unaccounted for.
Rabbi Kirshner suggested that the windows over the ark celebrate the Jewish People.
What an honor it was to work with text translation by Professor Everett Fox and with a synagogue community who entrusted us with their magnificent space.
"These windows look gorgeous but complement in a way that make it seem as if they were always there. What a sacred and stunning addition to an already holy space."
David-Seth Kirshner, Senior Rabbi
Temple Emanuel
of Pascack Valley
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Installed 2008
75’ wide x 8’ tall
It began in the Spring of 2005 with a request to help an established congregation replace old and drafty window frames, financed by bringing stained glass into the mix. Wilmark Studios was contacted because of its experience in all aspects of a project of this scope– replacing old window frames, supplying insulated exterior glass, in addition to stained glass design, fabrication and installation. Mark called upon a new friend, accomplished Judaic artist Nancy Katz, to meet the enthusiastic and hardworking newly formed ‘stained glass committee.’
Ayleh Mas’ay V’nai Israel – These Are Our Journeys
Inspired by Bamidbar (Numbers) 33:1: “These are the journeys of the descendants of Moses and Aaron,” the panorama represents the communal and personal journeys of the Jewish people throughout history.
With Torah as a foundation and guide, an open scroll provides the literal and metaphoric underpinning throughout.
"For years to come, visitors and congregants will continue to be awe struck…
Your creativity in design and the ability to transform it into stained glass represents very special talent with which each of you has been richly endowed.
This project serves as an inspiration."
Ed Ruzinsky
Design Committee Chair
Ramah Day Camp
Nyack, NY
Installation Summer 2024
While Nancy has an extensive history with summer camps, both as a camper and a staff person, she had never experienced a camp like Ramah Day Camp! At Ramah, children entering Pre-K through 9th grade experience camping in a setting of love, friendship, wonder and discovery, where Judaism is integral to daily activities. Young adult staff live at the camp, serving the campers who arrive from the metropolitan New York area.
We were asked to create a stained glass panel for the newly constructed Aron haKodesh/Holy Ark for the camp's chapel which has been decorated with leaded glass windows for decades.
It was a delight to work with the camp's director, Rabbi Ami Hersh and his dedicated team!
Congregation Beth Aaron
Teaneck, NJ
Installations 2012-2015
Wilmark’s relationship with Congregation Beth Aaron began in 1986.
At the time Mark was working with Dutch stained glass artist Hendrik Vandeburgt. Henk & Wilmark made windows for Beth Aaron through the 1990’s.
In 2011, renovations to the synagogue brought additional window opportunities to Wilmark.
Henk had passed away, and Nancy designed new work.
Her first original design for the synagogue was a single Rosh Chodesh window. It was Nancy first venture into the world of painted glass.
Nancy & Mark went on to create a series of windows based on key biblical cities in Israel for the synagogue's new Beit Midrash.
Painting assistance by "Miracle Dave."
Temple Beth Ohr
Old Bridge, NJ
Installation 2011
This synagogue sanctuary was designed with an interesting Star of David window at it’s center.
Our job was to embellish the existing window. We illustrated the central portion with symbols of Shabbat surrounded by the holidays of Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippor, Sukkot, Chanukkah, Purim, Pesach/Passover, and Shavuot. The side panels show an open Torah scroll and the Kotel/Wailing Wall using opaque glass to represent Jerusalem stone.