Our Stained Glass Star of David

A stained glass window depicting a Star of David is situated above our Ark.  The window is a gift to Etz Hayim Synagogue from the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration.  There is an interesting bit of history that goes along with this gift as, years ago, the Church of the Transfiguration itself was located at 18 Oak Street in Derry. A gentleman named Wilbur Tewksbury lived across the street from the building and, in his final days, derived much pleasure from watching the lights of the church. Congregants would also visit him from time to time. Upon his death, his family purchased a stained glass window for the congregation as a way of showing their appreciation. The Church took this with them when they moved to their current building at One Hood Road where it was placed in storage.

Who knew that, in its infancy, Etz Hayim would lease space at 18 Oak Street for their first “home." Who knew we would develop a close friendship with the Church of the Transfiguration? During our first Interfaith Service together on Thanksgiving 1992, this Star was presented to us as a gift. When, a year later, the Oak Street facility had been outgrown and we were invited to share space with the Church of the Transfiguration, they removed one of their other stained glass windows to hang the Star of David in the sanctuary area. It has traveled with us to our own home and occupies a place of honor over our Bima.

~Jill Pelunis, Etz Hayim historian