This beautiful painting, which graces the main entry to our building in the Oppenheimer Lobby, was commissioned by life-long Temple member, Jesse Wulfe, z"l, in memory of his wife, Jean Wulfe.
On January 6, 2006, this painting was dedicated during Shabbat Eve Services, which was also when Jesse Wulfe's grandson, Steven D. Wulfe, became a Bar Mitzvah. During the Service, Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl introduced artist Archie Rand, who talked about Jewish Art, and our Painting, and Rabbi Barry H. D. Block dedicated the Painting.
In Archie Rand's own words:
"I was intrigued by Jesse Wulfe’s wish to install a painting at Temple Beth-El. When I talked with him, on the phone, it was apparent that he knew, really, what only a handful of people know. Jesse Wulfe implicitly understood the profound psychological truth about how a mural can function on its audience.Jesse Wulfe knew this obscure and powerful bit of information. He wanted a painting. He knew that a painting, placed in a declamatory location, in an ordained space, will relentlessly emit moral and social intentions from its fixed visual pulpit. A public painting serves as both the conflation and idealization of a community’s values. It is a coat of arms beneath which congregants can gather. It is an announcement of invitation to join under its protective banner. It is the portrait of an institution, stimulating the recognition of a shared history – and therefore, it is a prompt for viewers to enlist their self-esteem as individual components in the host organization’s larger, comforting projection.
For a number of arcane reasons, only a painting can do this.
I looked around the impressively thriving Temple Beth-El and found that, for all its energy and triumph, its constructs lacked a unifying symbolism, leaving, by default, an atmosphere informed by magnificent parts but radiating an aesthetic diverseness. Temple Beth-El was a vital, active company without a logo with which to rally. I felt that it was my duty to attempt to provide a place which manifested the totality of Temple Beth-El.
I learned that Jesse Wulfe has served steadfastly as the Sabbath greeter at the doors of Temple Beth-El and I felt that this painting, in his wife’s memory, was meant to help continue his purpose and legacy. I knew that I was supposed to fashion something which would try to emulate the warmth and dedication to this congregation that Jesse Wulfe invested into the workings and the walls of Temple Beth-El for so many decades. I tried to make something that will welcome all the people with hospitality and vitality in tribute to the efforts and affection, commitment and intelligence of its patron, Jesse Wulfe. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the intentions of the patron and to address the desires of the congregants of Temple Beth-El. Thank you very much."
Home