The Gates Trilogy Poster

This poster features side-by-side reproductions of three embroidery designs on the theme of gates in Hebrew prayers and poetry. The origin and sources of Hebrew text used in each design are described below it. The designs include Gates of Jerusalem (Psalm 122), Gates of Repentance (Yom Kippur Neilah service, piyyut by Kalir) and Gateways of the East (Shabbat morning service). The three embroideries are sold as individual posters as well. Gates of Jerusalem: In the embroidery pattern, text from Psalm 122 (“our feet stood inside your gates, O Jerusalem”) frames the eight gates of the city of Jerusalem, stitched in blackwork embroidery patterns . The psalm celebrates the joy of the Biblical pilgrims to Jerusalem, offers verses of thanksgiving to God, and prays for the peace of the city. Gates of Repentence: this embroidery pattern features text from a piyyut (liturgical poem) from the Yom Kippur Neilah liturgy, P'tach Lanu Sha'ar, attributed to Eleazar Kallir. The payyetan (liturgical poet) pleads with God to keep the gates of repentance open to us as the day wanes. In the cross stitch design, the text frames stylized gates in blackwork embroidery patterns. Gateways of the East: Framing the gates is a passage from the Sabbath morning prayer service ("ha'El haPoteah...") that thanks and praises God for the work of Creation. The text imagines the gates and windows of the East bursting open each morning as God bountifully renews the morning light. This poster would show well on a wall at a school classroom, a synagogue, or at your home! © 2009 Rachel E. Braun