Tribe Mosaic Series Dedicated

Ten years ago, when Chabad of Upper Montgomery County, MD was planning the construction of its new building, an artistic series of the 12 Tribes of Israel was included in the planning. After much hard work the building was completed and dedicated in 2002.

When the original idea of having stained glass windows of the Tribes, similar to the Chagall Windows in Hadassah Hospital, proved to be unfeasible due to the layout of the sanctuary, a new approach was needed. In February 2004, Chabad hosted an art show with noted Chassidic artist Michoel Muchnik. Michoel had started a new art medium, using clay mosaics in his work. Rabbi Sholom Raichik, director of Chabad, suggested to Michoel that with the large balcony walls in the sanctuary, a Mosaic series of the 12 Tribes would be the perfect approach. Although Michoel never had made a full series of the 12 tribes, he accepted the challenge and slowly one by one he created original mosaics of the 12 Tribes. Each mosaic is quite large, measuring 30 inches across and 40 inches in height.

Every year two or three new Tribe Mosaics were completed. Wildflowers for Reuven, the Breastplate for Levi, a Crown for Yehuda, an Olive Tree for Asher, a measuring scale for Dan….. Slowly the walls started filling up. Finally after almost five years since the project began, the final piece, the Tribe of Yissachar was completed. On Sunday, a dedication of this glorious original series was held, honoring the families who had sponsored the artwork.

“It is truly something magnificent to behold, and energizes the entire Shul,” said Rabbi Raichik. “The 3D quality of the mosaics bring the images to life.”

During the dedication, the meaning of each of the names of the Tribes were explained as well as the significance of the Mosaic design. In a surprise to the sponsoring families, each was presented with a miniature of the Tribe which they had sponsored.

The Tribes represent the virtues which the Jewish people are endowed with. The swiftness of Naftali, the care shown by Yosef, the charity of Zevulun etc. With G-d’s help, these mosaics will help bring out these qualities in those who view them.