Ner Tamid

The Jewish Museum will be re-opening in spring 2009. During the planning stages it became evident that the museum did not have a ner tamid (eternal light) to complete the section on synagogue fittings. This important religious artefact is placed over the Torah Ark in every synagogue. As its name suggests, it is continually alight in memory of the candle in the Temple at Jerusalem in ancient times. This work depicts scenes of the walled city of Jerusalem around the sides and the amethyst crystal symbolises the Burning Bush in the Bible. Lehrer has a reputation for intricate workmanship combined with a strong religious sensibility and created this lamp for the 2004 Spertus Judaica Prize in Chicago.