The last part of the blessing for the wine—‘Boray Pre HaGafen’ -- -- is in the center. Hovering above and pointing heavenward, amid squash blossoms for fertility, twelve holy eagle feathers for the months of the year and the tribes of Israel, and two different half-revealed symbols of the Star of David, is a double Shaddai -- -- offering protection because it is the most complete and powerful name of G-d.

Above, the sun, moon and stars symbolize the universe, held aloft by a rainbow arc, symbol of the covenant. Beneath the sky are sacred mountains and the bountiful earth, here represented by overflowing grapevines. At the bottom are symbols of the home, wine goblets resting on a tallis, and the Book of Life inscribed with double Chai -- -- opened in the center. The middle of the papercut is framed in the spiral pattern of door posts from the Southwest.


Nan Rubin
7/92

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