Editor’s note: The Michael Klein Collection, which includes roughly 1,000 pieces of Judaica, is housed at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. The collection, in the hands of the congregation since late 2019, is meant to be an educational asset for the community. During cataloging, The Michael Klein Collection will provide periodic summaries to The Chronicle, with the hope of helping readers deepen their understanding of — and connection to — their Jewish heritage.
For more than four decades, a large tapestry has graced the walls of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, inspiring and awing congregants with its rich colors and symbolism.
The tapestry, titled “Let There Be Light,” is the work of local fiber artist Janet Kuemmerlein. It was commissioned and gifted to the congregation by member Rosemary Lustig. Kuemmerlein had previously created a tapestry for Congregation Beth Shalom, which is how Lustig knew of her work.
Kuemmerlein said the design of the piece was a collaboration between her, Lustig and then-rabbi William B. Silverman.
“I’m not Jewish so I couldn’t go ahead and do something out of my head, I had to rely on their input. I got a lot of information from them, then I combined it with my artistic view,” Kuemmerlein said.
The tapestry includes multiple symbols of Judaism, including the Tree of Life and the Lion of Judah. Next to the lion is the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses. The bird is an eagle, referring to Exodus 19:4: “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and [how] I bore you on eagles’ wings, and I brought you to Me.” The sun’s rays, located at the upper right corner of the piece, come from the tapestry’s name.
The tapestry, which measures 13.5 feet by 8.5 feet and weighs an estimated 50 pounds. The piece was completed in sections; Kuemmerlein machine-stitched silk, wool and nylon fibers to each section, and then hand-stitched the sections together on a background of wool.
Kuemmerlein started the piece in 1975 and completed it in 1976. Once finished, the congregation held an unveiling ceremony for the tapestry. The tapestry belongs to B’nai Jehudah, and is used both for display as well as for educational purposes by the Michael Klein Collection of B’nai Jehudah.
The tapestry hung on the walls of B’nai Jehudah’s 69th Street and Holmes Road location until it was moved to the congregation’s current location in Overland Park in 2000, where it hangs on the east-facing wall of the congregation’s social hall.
“Simply put, ‘Let There Be Light’ is a timeless piece that adds beauty to our worship space. This unique interpretation of various Jewish symbols helps bring Torah stories to life,” said Abby Magariel, educator/curator of the Michael Klein Collection.
