[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Lion]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a lion to represent Judah and his tribe of brave leaders. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This pane was transferred to a window in the Hall of Remembrance when Beth-El Congregation moved to 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in the summer of 2000.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Mandrake]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting the flowers of a mandrake plant, which represents Reuben. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. Biblically, the mandrake plant (fruit and roots) was believed to enhance a woman's fertility; Reuben gathered it for his mother, Leah. Leah had six children and also gave the plant to Rachel, who was barren but later conceived two sons. This pane was transferred to a window in the Hall of Remembrance when Beth-El Congregation moved to 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in the summer of 2000.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Passover Plate]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting an 18th century Passover plate engraved with scenes from the Passover song, "An Only Kid." In the center of the image is a star and a lamb; Hebrew words on the plate state, "Next year may we all be free." This is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This pane was transferred to a window in the Hall of Remembrance when Beth-El Congregation moved to 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in the summer of 2000.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Serpent]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a snake, which symbolizes the Tribe of Dan, whose descendants excelled at serpentine guerilla warfare. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Ship]

Close-up photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a ship to represent the Tribe of Zebulon, which had territory bordering the Sea of Galilee. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature.This pane was transferred to a window in the Hall of Remembrance when Beth-El Congregation moved to 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in the summer of 2000.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Shofar]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a shofar, a ram's horn sounded on holidays that begin the Jewish New Year. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This image depicts a shofar similar to the German shofars carved during the 18th century, including the decorative ridges. This pane was removed and placed in the temple archives when Beth-El Congregation moved to 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in the summer of 2000.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Spice Box]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a spice box in the shape of a medieval clock tower at 8 o'clock; this item is used during the prayer service at the close of the Sabbath. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This image is modeled after the original spice box created by a German silversmith during the 16th century. When the congregation constructed a new synagogue, this circular pane was removed and stored in the Beth-El Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Teffilin Box]

Close-up photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting an ornately-engraved metal box used to hold Tefillin, which are worn by Orthodox men during morning prayers. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This image depicts a box designed in Poland during the 18th century. When Beth-El constructed a new synagogue in 2000, this pane was removed and placed in the temple archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Torah Mantle]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a red velvet Torah mantle with gold trim. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This image depicts a custom-made mantle created in England during the 18th century; it is now in the London Jewish Museum. When Beth-El moved to a new synagogue in 2000, this pane was removed and stored in the Temple Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Wolf]

Close-up photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a wolf, which represents the Tribe of Benjamin. The Bible describes Benjamin as a "ravenous wolf; in the morning he consumes the foe, and in the evening he divides the spoil." It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This pane was transferred to a window in the Hall of Remembrance when Beth-El Congregation moved to 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in the summer of 2000.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of a Wooden Platter]

Close-up photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a wooden platter in the shape of a Jewish star with a double eagle at the center and the date 1770 (in Hebrew). It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This kind of platter is meant to hold Matzo at Passover. The double eagle is a symbol of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When Beth-El moved in August of 2000, this pane was removed, framed and presented to Broadway Baptist Church, Beth-El's long-time neighbor on Broadway Avenue on the city's near Southside.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of an Italian Sabbath Lamp]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting an Italian Sabbath lamp hanging from a hook; this kind of lamp would cast a shadow in the shape of a six-pointed Jewish star when lit. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This pane was located in one of the stairwell windows of the building that the congregation occupied 1920-2000. This circular pane is presently stored in the Temple Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of an Olive Tree]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting an olive tree. It represents the Tribe of Asher, one of the wealthiest tribes of Israel. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. When the congregation moved in the summer of 2000, this pane, and all the others that represent one of the 12 Tribes of Israel, was removed and placed in a smaller window in the new synagogue's Hall of Remembrance.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of City Gates]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting city gates for the Tribe of Simeon. It represents the city of Shechem, where Simeon led his brothers to avenge dishonor to their sister, Dinah. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El, When Beth-El moved in the summer of 2000, this pane was placed in a small window in the new building's Hall of Remembrance.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of Hanukkah Menorah]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting an 18th century German Hanukkah menorah. The candelabra's branches are curved like the flowering branches of a bush. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This circular pane is presently stored in the Temple Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of Military Tents]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting a field of tents. It represents the military camp of the Tribe of Gad, which was known for its warriors. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. When the congregation moved to a new building in the summer of 2000, this was among the panes reframed and placed in a window in the Hall of Remembrance.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of Outstretched Hands]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting two hands outstretched and positioned to deliver a priestly blessing. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This image was copied from details on a decorative wall in St. Petersburg, Russia. Beth-El moved to a new location in the summer of 2000 and removed each of the symbolic panes. This circular pane is presently stored in the Temple Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of the Scroll of Esther]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting the scroll of Esther (called a Megillah), a one-armed scroll that is read on the holiday of Purim. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created in 1947 for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. This image depicts a Megillah that has a Baroque-style silver case with a crown and dove of peace on the top; it is also embossed with a scene from the Book of Esther. When the congregation moved to a new building, this disc was removed and placed in the Temple Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Stained Glass Window Pane of the Ten Commandments]

Photograph of a stained-glass window pane depicting two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments; each of the lines contains the opening words of a commandment. It is one of more than two dozen circular stained-glass discs created for the sanctuary of Fort Worth's Temple Beth-El; most of the images were copied from a book on Jewish treasures to represent a collection of Judaica in miniature. When the congregation moved to a new building, this disc was removed and placed in the Temple Archives.
Date: 1999
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Ark and Bimah, main sanctuary at Beth-El Congregation]

Photograph, taken in 2000, of the "bimah" or altar in the main sanctuary at Beth-El Congregation, 207 W. Broadway, Fort Worth. The building was constructed in 1920, rebuilt in 1948 after a fire gutted the interior, and remodeled in 1981. The 1948 rebuilding and redesign were by the Hungarian-American interior designer Erno Fabry. His design ideas include the stone wall behind the altar, built with reddish Colorado travertine, the ark (which contained the Torahs) framed with gray-veined cremo-Italian marble, as well as the gate with its Art Deco design, and the copper-colored menorahs flanking the ark. In 1981, architect-designer John Mike Cohen of St. Louis oversaw a major remodeling of the sanctuary with peach carpet, chairs, and fiberglass lights resembling a flock of dove.
Date: 2000
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Beth-El Congregation's Second Synagogue]

Photograph of the entrance to the synagogue at 207 W. Broadway Ave. that served Beth-El Congregation from 1920 to 2000. The building has two stories plus a basement with a social hall and kitchen. It is constructed of red brick and limestone. In the photo, the facade has a frieze above the entry with a quote from Psalms ("Give Ear, O Lord, Unto My Prayer") as well as two limestone menorahs above the quotation. The stained-glass windows on the front and side of the building are protected by storm windows. This image shows the front of the building shortly before the congregation moved to a new location across town. Several of the decorative features, particularly the frieze and limestone arches, are stained with black marks from 80 years of air pollution. When the congregation moved in August of 2000, the frieze, menorahs, and a Ten-Commandment carving were removed from the facade and replaced with red brick.
Date: 2000
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Interior of Beth-El Congregation Sanctuary]

Photograph of the interior of the second house of worship for Fort Worth's Reform Jewish congregation after being remodeled in 1981. This image was taken with the main lights turned off to show the sanctuary's 72 Castelli fiberglass lights, which evoke the imagery of a flock of doves. The stained glass in the background dates to the 1948 remodeling.
Date: 2000
Creator: Lauer, Ralph
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Photograph of the Beth-El Synagogue]

Photograph of the east side of Beth-El Congregation's third synagogue located at 4900 Briarhaven Rd. in Fort Worth, Texas. This image was taken shortly after the congregation moved to this location in 2000 and it shows one side of the exterior including large windows near the roof. The building was designed by Fort Worth Architect David Stanford. It was constructed by DeMoss Co.
Date: 2000
Creator: Wilson, Ray
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Photograph of the Exterior Corner Detail of Beth-El Temple]

Photograph is a detail of the exterior corner of Beth-El Congregation's third synagogue located at 4900 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth. The photo, taken shortly after the building was completed in 2000, includes close-up details of the light-colored limestone bricks and the underside of the roof with its original copper color.
Date: 2000
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Photograph
System: The Portal to Texas History