The traditional art of Judaic needlework finds its root in the religiously sanctioned impulse of its practitioners to do "beautiful work to adorn their homes," according to the president of The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework. Their work, which celebrates religious rituals and lifestyle events, is used in religious celebrations and as decorative items such as wall hangings and quilts.
An exhibit of the Judaic needlework by members of Greater Boston chapter, titled "From Cradle to Canopy," opened Wednesday at the Perkins Gallery in the Striar Jewish Community Center in Stoughton. It runs through April 4. An opening reception with music and refreshments takes place today from 2 to 4 p.m.
The needlework artists in the show share an interest in the "traditional needlepoint and bringing it into the 21st century and sharing their knowledge," said Laura Rosenspan of Sharon, a member of the local chapter and The Pomegranate Guild's national president. The show demonstrates that "Judaic needlework is alive and well and still being produced," she said.
All the pieces in the show are made of fiber and threads. Among the items on display will be the canopy held over the bride and groom during the marriage ceremony, called the chuppa (symbolizing their first home together), and a pillow used in a male baby's circumcision ceremony.
Pieces to wear in the temple include tallit (prayer shawls) and yarmulkes (skull caps). Items for the celebration of Shabbat, the weekly Sabbath observation, include a decorative Sabbath centerpiece, table runners, place mats, and the cloth that covers the challah (bread). "All the stuff on Friday night," Rosenspan said, "to make it special."
Decorations for religious festivals include a representation of a menorah, wall hangings with Judaic themes, and quill work - which consists of very thin papers curled around a needle to make a design.
Biblical authority for needlework art abounds. The Pomegranate Guild's website cites a verse from Exodus: "And they made upon the hem of the robe pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet and twined linen."
Teaching the art of needlework is also a way of handing down the traditions of Judaic culture to the next generation, Rosenspan said.
"Adorning our homes with our beautiful work is part of our mission as Jewish homemakers," she wrote in guild's newsletter.
Among the wall hangings to be displayed at the Perkins Gallery exhibit is a large piece by Laura Wallins of Brookline that includes a poem for her three cousins, who are all about 90 years old. The vintage lettering styles show off a range of needlework techniques.
Another example is the "comfort quilt," a specially made bed covering for a person who is seriously ill. Rosenspan was part of a group of 12 people in Sharon who made one for a friend.
Refreshments for today's reception will include the "seven species" of fruits and other foods mentioned in the Bible, among them olives, dates, figs, and pomegranates. In Hebrew tradition, the pomegranate's 613 seeds represent the 613 commandments of the Torah.
The reception includes live music and an artists' talk. Both the opening and the gallery exhibition at 445 Central St., Stoughton, are free to the public.
Begun 30 years ago, The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework has 538 members in 23 chapters. The Greater Boston chapter has members from Stoughton, Canton, and Sharon. People interested in becoming members or learning more about the chapter should contact copresidents Miriam K. Sokoloff at 617-277-3711, Maxine Sorokin at 617-327-2488, or visit Pomegranateguild.org.
Robert Knox can be contacted at rc.knox@gmail.com.
