Habonim’s Ner Tamid

When Temple Habonim moved to its current site on New Meadow Road in Barrington, we had the challenge of designing a temple in what had been a schoolhouse as well as the town’s school administration building. We wanted to maintain the classic simplicity of the structure and its symmetry, yet create a place that evoked spirituality. We were pleased with the results, and then it was time to choose an appropriate ner tamid (“Eternal Lamp”).

I found myself appointed Chair of the selection committee. We wanted to retain the feeling of our Sanctuary, yet find something that would represent Exodus 27:20-21, a light symbolizing God’s eternal presence and never to be extinguished. We recognized that we would not use “pure olive oil beaten for the light” and agreed that electricity would be acceptable.

The committee visited Congregation B’nai Israel in Woonsocket, a wonderfully designed synagogue. As we viewed their Eternal Lamp, we collectively saw a solution. Their lamp is “eternally” lit by external spotlights. The result was subtle, yet imparted the feeling that we wanted to achieve. I was given the task of finding artists, locally we hoped, to submit designs.

One cold and windy day, I was walking by the RISD Auditorium when a solution presented itself.  There was a student show, but not all of the exhibits could fit into the auditorium.  On the sidewalk outside was a display of unusual amorphous glass objects with their creator  Neal Drobnis (then a graduate student).

Neal’s technique is a combination of sand-casting and blown glass. His work is organic and conveys the mystery we were trying to express. The form is fluid and flowing and would complement the vertical wood on our bimah. He presented to the committee; we loved his work, and we became his first commission. We selected well; right out of graduate school, he had held two other commissions and sold out all of his work at his Thesis Show.

Many know Neal Drobnis as the Coordinator of Kosher Nutrition at Jewish Family Service. In his other capacity, however, he is an internationally acclaimed glass artist with work in museums (including The Rhode Island School of Design Museum) and corporate and private collections (Coca-Cola, Bank RI, Pilchuck Glass Center). He is currently exhibiting in galleries in Paris, Germany, Japan, Hawaii, Dallas, Atlanta and Los Angeles – just to name a few. 

In his own words, he is “inspired by nature and ancient artifacts.  Sculpture is a combination of the cast and blown glass techniques reinterpreting a tradition of glass forming used by Romans over 3000 years ago.” 

Neal’s contrasting textures, rough and smooth, incorporate the mystery of our Eternal Lamp.

ROBERTA SEGAL (rseg@     fullchannel.net) is a past president of Temple Habonim and chaired the committee that select-ed the eternal light.  She is an artist, primarily in glass, and many years ago was the editor of the then “Federation Voice.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is part of a series about Hiddur Mitzvah (enhancement or beautification of the divine com-mandment). In appreciation of Hiddur Mitzvah, The Jewish Voice will highlight Judaica collections and treasures in our synagogues and museums throughout the state.