Jean Leymarie (1919–2006)

In June of 1959, Chagall received a commission to design the stained-glass windows for the synagogue that would be a part of the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem. The synagogue would have twelve large windows, and it was decided they would represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

Chagall devoted two years to making the windows, which were installed permanently (after being exhibited) in the synagogue in February of 1962.

Because Jewish law forbids the representation of the human figure (because it is an image of God), Chagall created a kingdom of stars, elements, and animals, the latter serving as emblems of the tribes.

This book goes through each window, explaining its meaning, citing the relevant Biblical passages each evokes, and showing the drawings that preceded the paintings as well as color plates of the windows themselves.… (more)