A Torah mantle embroidered with pomegranates by Catherine Tutter (American) for Congregation Eitz Chayim עץ חיים (“Tree of Life”), completed in 2011. The central Tree of Life features thirteen pomegranates, twelve for the tribes of Israel and one for Dinah, Jacob and Leah's only daughter. Its seeds formed from 613 French knots for the mitzvot. Ten mother-of-pearl buttons evoke the sephirot, while eighteen leaves symbolize chai חי (“life”). Roots are anchored with sets of seven buttons for the days of creation, paired with willow leaves from the Four Species of Sukkot. A domed top, inspired by Sephardic tradition, glitters with sun, moon, and stars, flowing into Miriam’s Well stitched with forty lines of metallic thread. A ceremonial garment where every stitch holds meaning, crafted over years with the involvement of the community.
