Hear O Israel

Behind the Art

There are descriptions in the Book of Exodus of the embroideries and draperies in the Tabernacle of the Ark of the Covenant, and of the dyes that were used to create a specific color scheme. Later, in II Chronicles, when Solomon is directing the construction of the Temple, there are various uses for these same colors: crimson and purple and blue. According to these accounts, gold also was employed in abundance. These historical details suggested the colors for the design.

—Michael