University of Miami Sculpture

Bronze sculpture,
Priest with censer (for incense),
unknown artist,
Scharlin Patio ,
Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

University of Miami Sculpture

Bronze sculpture,
Carrying a scroll,
unknown artist,
Scharlin Patio ,
Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

University of Miami Sculpture

Bronze sculpture,
Reading from prayerbook,
unknown artist,
Scharlin Patio ,
Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

University of Miami Sculpture

Bronze sculpture
Sounding the Shofar
unknown artist
Scharlin Patio
Sue and Leonard Miller Center
   for Contemporary Judaic Studies
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

University of Miami Sculpture

Bronze sculpture,
Playing the  fiddle,
unknown artist
Scharlin Patio
Sue and Leonard Miller Center
   for Contemporary Judaic Studies,
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

Commandment 10

 THOU SHALT NOT COVET.

 The Ten Commandments (1933) by Alexander Katz (1895-1974)
  (Copies of these lithographs were provided by David Pitcher, MD)

 Commentary by Rabbi Alexander S. Kline    

This is perhaps the most eloquent of the Katz designs. Coveting and greed degrade and cheapen life. On the left side of the image we see full bookshelves, a lighted candles, and an empty treasure chest. On the right side we see shelves without books, an empty candlestick, and a chest filled with gold and jewels. Freedom from greed may be achieved through cultivation of mind and spirit.  Here is a genuinely Jewish sense of balance and values.

 

Commandment 9

THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR.

  The Ten Commandments (1933) by Alexander Katz (1895-1974)
   (Copies of these lithographs were provided by David Pitcher, MD)

Commentary by Rabbi Alexander S. Kline

Two happy houses symbolize neighborliness with smoke emanating from them spelling emet the Hebrew word for truth. Beauty, serenity and harmonious human relations are safeguarded when we speak the truth.

Commandment 8

THOU SHALL NOT STEAL.

 The Ten Commandments (1933) by Alexander Katz (1895-1974)
  (Copies of these lithographs were provided by David Pitcher, MD)

Commentary by Rabbi Alexander S. Kline

Honesty is depicted in this plate by showing a man on a narrow path traversing a forest of tall upright trees. The picture has a strong message of straightforwardness.

Commandment 7

 THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.

  The Ten Commandments (1933) by Alexander Katz (1895-1974)
   (Copies of these lithographs were provided by David Pitcher, MD)

Commentary by Rabbi Alexander S. Kline

Purity is depicted by flowing water and snow crystals. The all-seeing eye is contained in a large symbolic "Zayin", the Hebrew numeral seven. The design emphasizes the purity and sacredness of the marital relationship.

Commandment 6

  THOU SHALL NOT MURDER. 

The Ten Commandments (1933) by Alexander Katz (1895-1974)
(Copies of these lithographs were provided by David Pitcher, MD)

Commentary by Rabbi Alexander S. Kline
Life is sacred and its Source is God! 
This mystic design shows a pool of blood and a dove 
representing a soul hovering in space. 
Impious hands partly obliterate the name of God, 
recalling the legend that an untimely death 
embarrasses our Maker.